Sash Window Repair

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

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double glazing repair-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it’s an absolute nightmare. You’ll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that’s too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels that they slide on, making them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Check to see if the cord is caught or hung 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 holds the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will 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 a good idea to use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you’ll be able to fix your sash window without needing to remove it completely. Once you’ve used it, you’ll be able to pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are a few things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you’ll require replacement periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and must be applied over the course of your windows’ life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could hinder sash movement completely and could pose an hazard to fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the window and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, fitted however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten but the best way to avoid further decay is to keep 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 rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the “pocket covers” which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the wood filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they’re not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash’s weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

As time passes, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair of sash windows or replacement.

Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can 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 in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.