Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

When your double glazing window repairs-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in an expert most often.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for window repairs windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

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 however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration, they can be restored to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from 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 that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It is a major concern when double and Window Repairs triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.