Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing window repairs-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be rectified with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll have to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and pose risky for timber fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks, timber or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.