Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash Window Doctor tracks, which can cause them to jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most of the time.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower 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. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to prevent draughts. These can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

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

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have 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 window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common sash upvc repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.