Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved 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. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most instances.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. This liquid dries quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and wears away with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and 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 costly and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that arise with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to take off the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well to make sure they are properly balanced and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if sash window repairs (image source) are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a real cause for concern when they start to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may need to be replaced.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce draughts.