Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts to balance her window.

Pam will bed each pan by putting an edging rope into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it’s a nightmare. You’ll lose your view in the event that they shake during a storm. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide on, making them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash, or if it’s snapped. If this is the case, you’ll have to replace the window’s cord.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional most times.

If a pin isn’t falling out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen it’s a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won’t have to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can take the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These can be efficient, but they’ll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It’s a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you’ll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however it could also hinder the sash’s movement and cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, installed while also dealing with any minor timber defects. It’s much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren’t in need of repair if they’ve been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for many years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you’ll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to stop further rot is to make sure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to clean any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). The next step is to remove the “pocket covers” that are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you’ll likely require an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are in balance. They shouldn’t be misaligned or pulled one side more than the other. The sash could fall off its track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash’s weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from the weather over time. This can lead to the decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks beneath the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary upvc repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components.

Double and Window doctor triple-glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise out of your home, and it could be a major cause of concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open again – or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that may be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using 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 sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.