Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and window repair prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing repairs-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when double glazing repairs near me and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.