Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority times.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very effective, but they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, 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 used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help 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 altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close examination, however some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the 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 low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely 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 good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Over 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 to touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, and it could be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off 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 may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the possibility of draughts.