Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then searches for replacements, such as washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by placing the glazing material in a rope 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 are stuck. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed with the proper tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window repairs frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window repairs in the event of this.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in most instances.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decayed wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are efficient, but they'll have to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be reapplied over the time of your windows' life, but it can provide an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and could pose a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a general refurbishment it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and the sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove 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 location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this happens the structural integrity of windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical 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 a problem with the sash or ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This problem can be resolved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.