Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your repairing double glazed windows-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Most of these problems can be solved 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window repairs particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and replacements push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good 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 make sure they are in balance and replacements not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.