Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

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

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. 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 have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, 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 damaged timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required door repair work to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.