Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to 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 has accumulated. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

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

Another possible cause of a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority often.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. Once 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 with a tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or Sash Window Repair strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair timber windows. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove 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 location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside 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 slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of your home, so it can be a cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.