Sash Window repair timber windows

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for sash salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs could increase. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most times.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

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 a good draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood 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 inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess 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. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of 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 efficiency of the sash and decrease draughts.