Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will lay each pane by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

When your double glazing repair-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal however they can be fixed by using the right tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint may accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be solved 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 built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put plastic sheets and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can find this at most home improvement stores, or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of cases.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can repair 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 problem when you have an old sash window doctor particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights that allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some options you can take to stop draughts from coming through your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be reapplied over the duration of your window's life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film that is scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

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

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture build up which can lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. Although it is possible to repair rotten timber however the best method to avoid further decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll likely require an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to check inside the window the sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side harder than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are susceptible to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

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 by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be needed to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or an indication of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, window doctor take off any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the paint finish. 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 decrease the risk of draughts.