Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be rectified with the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window repairs frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It's less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise that arise from sash windows are readily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove 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", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights will need to be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window as well to make sure they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazed window repairs glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. 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 also reduce draughts.