Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling 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 away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can purchase this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window repairs sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied 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 as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or sash window Repair nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are in balance and sash window repair not 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 by new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be the result of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.