Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or timber pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights will need to be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window repair near to open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.