Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills can increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair timber windows them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, although they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are 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. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are balanced and Sash Window Repair not 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 break or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may require replacement.

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

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.