Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her Window doctor.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used 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 a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent 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 applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. 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 the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.