Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected with the appropriate tools and handle perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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 accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth gliding. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window If this is the case.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call a professional the majority times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea 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 without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll have to reapply it over the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps around your window replacement. This is a great way to stop draughts however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the fluidization and handle rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's 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 windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, will need to 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 off. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing 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 cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and handle enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease draughts.