Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved 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 paint that's built up. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, window doctor clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window doctor.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.