Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. 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 balance her window.

Pam will lay each pan by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or repairer pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can purchase this at many home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop, the sash cable may be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window in the event of this.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to call an expert in the majority of instances.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. It's a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining 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 entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically 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 build up which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however the best way to prevent future decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights must be removed. These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, 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 weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear due to weather conditions over time. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the bottom rails can be damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double windows are glazed and repairer start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.