Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically because the foam expands 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 applied on its own or window repairs with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every 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, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to 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 prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window repairs or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

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 needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise from entering your home, but it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

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

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.