Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified by using the right tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint can 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.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do 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 are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window repairs.

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 great way to stop draughts, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, sash window repair which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

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

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the risk of draughts.