Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common problem with old windows that are weighted is that paint can accumulate in the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through 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. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply an oil based on silicone to aid in their smoother movement. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll have to call an expert most of the time.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with sash windows that are old particularly in winter. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to be replaced periodically as the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your window doctor; https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/, draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as addressing any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to provide high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is 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 give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them loose. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

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

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window replacement that is soft to the touch can be a sign of this. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or problems with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and window Doctor sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.