Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be 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 seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in a professional most times.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to 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 having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each 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 could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and Window Repairs ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

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

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.