Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be corrected with the proper tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or window repairs by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with use.

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

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.