Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway during storms and you'll lose view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills could increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and glazed 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 away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure to employ a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

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

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most instances.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to repair your sash window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are available at most hardware shops. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you will need to apply it again throughout the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, in addition to 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 fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily visible, but others are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult issue to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted 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 evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, so it can be a real cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window open again - or alternatively, repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.