Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will lay each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating 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 to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose a fire hazard. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood 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). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which 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 susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if upvc repairs to the window sash are needed.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.