Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like nuts or washers, to balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating 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 off any paint that's built up. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The frames of these windows are generally constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to treat because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are properly balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could fall off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In 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. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this happens, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or the result of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This issue can glazing repair be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. 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 reduce the possibility of draughts.