Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Luckily, most 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 built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, window repairs which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be applied over the duration of your window repairs's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught blocker, Window Repairs but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry 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 ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

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 lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need 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 a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

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