Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need 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 a good idea use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the 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 get into the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are a few ways to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and pose an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A better option is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the installation of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could restore the sash to its original function and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up, which can cause wood to rot.

The majority of issues that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible 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" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window repairs, too to make sure they are in balance and not pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. As time passes, this could lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon 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 crucial to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

It can be very concerning when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk, and they is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash window repair problem is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash rattles. If the issue is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust can help resolve this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the risk of draughts.