Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, such as nuts or washers, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide over, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and repairmywindowsanddoors put plastic sheets and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath 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 glide. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

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 will require the help of an expert most times.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your sash window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are usually caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to warm your home. There are some things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase from most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal, which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the size you require and then insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your upvc window repair sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is properly ventilated to stop the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood to rot.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and repairmywindowsanddoors not swaying one side more than the other. The sash can slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, repairmywindowsanddoors or put in an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

In time, the bottom rails 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 also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing or replacement 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 occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.

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