Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam the sash cable could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece 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 let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window repairs frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, but the best way 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 the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to get them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and window repair apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once 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 too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's 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 removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will 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 possibility of draughts.