Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

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

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped away. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert most often.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It may 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 "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing repairs glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at risk and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or a problem with sash ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.