Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed by using the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by 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. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call a professional the majority of the time.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

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 if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and Door Repair chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.