Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around 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 using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and Window Repairs painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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 remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.

double glazed window repairs and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce draughts.