Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double glazed window repairs-hung windows get stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be addressed with the right tools and a little determination.

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

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most often.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it you should be able to remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly using a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and window repair gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. However, it is an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general overhaul it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are properly balanced. They should not be 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. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Double and triple glazed Sash windows do an incredible job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this is happening, the structural integrity of windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash window repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the problem is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash could be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.