Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

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

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems 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. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most cases.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order 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 can include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, window repairs and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, window repairs which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. 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. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.