Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will bed each pane by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of a 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. Both of these scenarios are not ideal, but they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling 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 off any paint that has been accumulating. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then put up sheets of plastic 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 lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam, the sash cable may be defective. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or snapped. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in an expert 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 softener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several ways to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or installation in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

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 string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, 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, in addition to dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged 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 provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber but the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first step 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 "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side that allow access to the weights, should be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely need to use a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They shouldn't be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to slide off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazed window repairs glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

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