Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will set each pan by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing repair-hung window becomes stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. 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. Then scrape away any accumulated paint. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, then apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. It is available at most home improvement stores, or online. Then, you can move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have been ripped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pull off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can let cold air seep into the Window Doctor and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to stop draughts from coming through your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands over time with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and pose an hazard to fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film will need to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This may include the fitting of new sash string, staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good news is that frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very high quality and, with the right restoration, can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to treat, since fungus eats the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to avoid future rot is by keeping the timber dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash's weights inside the window too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window, or by the frame becoming soft to touch. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if repairs to the sash window are required.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional is required 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 glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common window upvc repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped sash cord or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can assist in resolving this issue. 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 a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.