Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts 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, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle in a storm. On the other side, a window repairs that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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. Use a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or window repairs chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most times.

Use a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with old sash window particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to get in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option 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, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be displaced or pulled one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can 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. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce 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 enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.