Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll rattle during a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not optimal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, making them jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better glide. You can purchase this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll need to call in a professional the majority often.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, timber such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to size and push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film has 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 new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten however the best method to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window as well to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will also be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of window sash components.

double glazing and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, but it can be a cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This issue can be solved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.