Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps 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 will bed each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window repairs stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can take 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 problem with old sash window, especially during the winter. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. 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 effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove in the event that you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need 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 new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future 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 position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required sash window repair work.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and window repair recommend any needed replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or sash cords. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.