Sash Window Repair

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

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in external noise and air, which will increase your energy costs. This is neither optimal, but both can be solved with the proper tools and determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, repairing which can cause them to become jammed. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of 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 a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure better sliding. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hanging in the sash or snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional the majority often.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood hardener on it. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows to repair them. After you've used it you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a block of wood on the top of the corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are usually caused by decayed 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 several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with expanding foam or using draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery sealnce for many years to come. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood decay.

Most of the problems you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are harder to spot. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to avoid further rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to take them if they are painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry the primer coat must be applied to stop further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window as well, to ensure that they are balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and could cause damage to 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 towards the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced, a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch can be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

A typical sash window repair door problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window open again - or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be applied around the staff bead to decrease draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce the possibility of draughts.