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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam will lay each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a storm. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise through and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not optimal but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with windows with weighted sash is that paint can build up in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. It is available in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most often.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's recommended to use a wood softener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used 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 with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you can cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be applied by itself or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the time of your windows' lifespan, but it is 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 that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and pose risky for fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment you can have your sash window repair near me professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to provide high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights, will need to be removed. They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if sash window repairs (listen to this podcast) are necessary.

In 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 window becoming soft. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the 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.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. 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 decrease draughts.