Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will allow external air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. This is neither optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can purchase this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some options you can take 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 purchase from most hardware stores. These can be effective, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and Sash Window Repair wears away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

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 good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm must be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are generally made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.