Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers, to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope 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 rattle in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) 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 dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most times.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can 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 fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the upvc window repairs becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.