Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. 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 one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. 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 it could be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call an expert most of the time.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. 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. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

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 the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing double glazed windows sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash window repair sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.