So You've Bought Sash Window Repair ... Now What?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

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

Sticking Sashes

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

Paint can get splattered on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth glide. You can find this in most home improvement stores, or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop it could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is tangled or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. You'll need to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. The liquid is quick drying and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows, especially in the winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep in around the upvc window repair and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

A more permanent option 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 applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is quite costly and must be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifespan, but it is an option for the long term and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.

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

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber imperfections. It is less disruptive than removing the windows and will reduce drafts, enhance thermal performance and significantly reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are usually constructed of high-quality wood. With the right restoration they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many years to come. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to remove them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood that is rotting, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can slide off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which requires to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks on the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if sash window repairs are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin 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 with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or a problem with sash rattles. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

This issue can be fixed by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce the possibility of draughts.