Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise in and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash upvc window repairs tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

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

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord or the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window doctor open and then the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.