Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available in a 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 a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. 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 costly and you will need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows repair draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, sash window repair improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the window sash are needed.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or sash window repair dirt can often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash window repair can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.