Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window replacement frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most of the time.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. The liquid is quick drying and can upvc repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using 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 can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and will reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for 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 is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from the weather over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

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

One common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing 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 the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.