Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied 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 throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and push it 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 open the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and Window Repair sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce 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 efficiency of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.