Notes

What Freud Can Teach Us About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses and keep 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 placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose your view when they squeak during a thunderstorm. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy bills. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint could accumulate in the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with 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 been accumulating. Be sure to employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most of the time.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. upvc windows repair dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They can be caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective, although they'll have to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a sponge-like seal that you cut to the desired size and then insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive overhaul, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original purpose and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal performance.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail may have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife for removing the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel away any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced or pulled one side more strongly than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not 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 mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of timber, and requires replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window or by the frame becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary repairs to the sash window.

Additionally, with time, the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or 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 most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often help resolve this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that might be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.

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