Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam scours the web for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her window.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows are stuck. They'll rattle during an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may get sucked into the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Make use of a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for better gliding. It is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to block it could be defective. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most cases.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. They're effective however you'll require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you will need to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also hinder the movement of the sash and even cause a fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm will need to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of 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 is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of problems with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

The first step is to remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and repaired meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). These can sometimes be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too to make sure they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and damage from the weather over time. In time, this may cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Water marks on the sill, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

It can be a real concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be at stake and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of 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 improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.