Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam will bed each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be corrected with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and put 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 an oil based on silicone to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of an expert most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air 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 are effective, although they'll need to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and wears away with wear and use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to size and put into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and 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 when you wish to open the window.

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 an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed to re-open the door repair and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

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

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash could fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of window sash components.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.