Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose your view. A local window repair that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and service apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll need to re-cord your local window repair if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast 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 you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.