Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam browses 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 washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle in the event of storms and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can build up in the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

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

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window sash without needing to remove it completely. Once you've used it, you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into 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 fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or replacement staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of sash window components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, Double Glazing the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window may require replacement.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it is the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.