Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts 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 reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

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

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are efficient, upvc Window repairs but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash must be removed to open the window doctor and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could 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 is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing 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 to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.