Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and is always looking for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, Sash window repair also known as a pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

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

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to catch any paint dust and chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. You can purchase this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block, the sash cable may be faulty. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out the windows on your sash 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 be a major issue for upvc windows repairs with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is quite costly and will have to be reapplied throughout the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts 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 can stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include new sash cords, parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the «pocket covers» that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from the weather over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.