Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems 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 put plastic sheets and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

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

If it continues to block it could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have lost its grip. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and installation must be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them off. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

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

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem 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 an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.