Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills could increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

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

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or glazing online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or glazing unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll require replacement periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door repair and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

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

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be applied 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 improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.