Notes

3 Reasons You're Sash Window Repair Is Broken (And How To Repair It)
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to help balance her window.


Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she uses to create the rabbet groove, or pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll sway during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose could let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios aren't optimal, but they can be fixed with the appropriate tools and persistence.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues 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 paint that's built up. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic 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 for better sliding. This lubricant is available in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Highly recommended Reading can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of a professional the majority of the time.

If a pin doesn't fall out, but the wood has gotten warped or swollen, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After using it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with use.

A more permanent option is Gapseal, which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. The sash needs to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

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

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of very high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). The "pocket covers" are tiny pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights, must be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them loose. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to check inside the window for sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from swinging in the wrong way.

Poor Security

Sash windows are vulnerable to damage and wear due to weather conditions over time. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced, an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional is required to examine the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It is a major concern when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of the sash windows may be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by the sash cord being snapped or an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.

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