Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and crack. 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 nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. A window repairs that's too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be addressed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase from most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor flaws in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights must be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required.

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

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then 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 to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.