Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and window repairs chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash upvc window repair will need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.