Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during storms and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise which can increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, wipe the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hanging in the sash or if it's snapped. It is necessary to re-cord the window repairs in the event of this.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority often.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, broken putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be applied over the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is 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 wrap that is rolled up and put into every gap around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood defects. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce drafts, enhance the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows will be readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is particularly difficult to treat, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber but the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint off the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them out of the way. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are in balance. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side harder than the other. The sash can fall off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones or install an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to determine the situation and recommend any needed repair or replacement of sash window components.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of your home, so it can be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash window will need to be replaced.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to an untidy cord or a problem with sash the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the upvc window repair to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.