Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double glazing-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was 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 contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could 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 take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.