Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material 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-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues 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. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Examine if the cord is caught or sash window repair hung in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, although they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could 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 next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, Sash Window Repair which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window repairs could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.