Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. Most of these problems 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 away any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most times.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger 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 used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or window repairs damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.