Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will lay each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs can increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can find this in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber 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 location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window repairs for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to 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 are prone to damage from weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication 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 very concerning when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and Window Repairs sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.