Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during storms, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. 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. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you will need to call in an expert most times.

Use a wood hardener in the event that 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 sash without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few options you can take to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll have to be replaced regularly as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley window and door repairs wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation which can lead to wood to rot.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away 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 recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

Additionally, with 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. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.