Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most often.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be applied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish 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, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and Window Repairs sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to door repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

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 concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. 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.