Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be rectified by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered 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.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional most often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window replacement sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using a tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window doctor particularly in the winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and window Doctor the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and Window doctor can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary upvc repair work to the sash window.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple and double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will 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 improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.