Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a storm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly 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 aid in their smoother movement. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for window repairs sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between your sash window repairs frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. In addition, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include the installation 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 could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the wood dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that give 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 require a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window repairs as well to ensure that they are properly balanced and window repairs not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install a new balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce draughts.