Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating 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 use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.

Make use of a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need 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 drafts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and window Repairs possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that provide 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 probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazed window repairs glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a real cause for window repairs worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.