Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view if they rattle during a storm. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that's built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you'll require the help of a professional most times.

If a pin doesn't fall out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights that let cold air seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These can be efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your upvc window repairs. However, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can block sash travel completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good news is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up, which can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber but the best way to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary 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 sides that allow access to the weights will need to be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash may fall off its track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. In time, this may lead to timber decay which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as is possible. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

As time passes the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

One common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be an indication of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the issue is with the sash's rats, a bit of gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead to reduce 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 improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.