Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal however they can be corrected with the proper tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. You can find this in many 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. Examine 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 case.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or sash window repair painting of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is 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 "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed 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 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. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce 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 improve the efficiency of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.