Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pane by placing 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

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified with the proper tools and persistence.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams 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 replace the window's cord.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of cases.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

Triple and double glazing repairs glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk 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 improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.