Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved 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 off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call an expert most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with wear and 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 on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

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 good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of the sash upvc window repairs's components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or a sign of a problem with the sash ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.