Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most of the time.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem when you have an old sash window, window repairs especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are found in many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits 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). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them off. 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, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

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

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

double glazed window repairs and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise pollution out of your home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.