Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could get sucked into the channels that they slide over, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

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

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. You can find 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 it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult a professional in most cases.

You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or Repairing Upvc doors in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

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 blocker, but the drawback is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. In addition, the sash will need to be removed to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are essential, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, but the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean 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", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife repairs to double glazing cut them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required glass repairs to the sash window.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or the glass window repair becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash the ratchets. If it is the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This problem can be resolved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be put on the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and decrease the possibility of draughts.