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14 Common Misconceptions About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

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

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. window repairs prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll sway in the event of storms, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy costs may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

A common problem with old windows with weighted sash is that paint may build up in the channels they slide on, causing them blockage. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be defective. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

Another possible reason for a jam is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in the majority of instances.

You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able remove the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with an tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that can be cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you'll have to apply it again over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to addressing any minor timber imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many years to come. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is properly ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can cause wood rot.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but some are harder to spot. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to address because fungus eats away at the wood. While it is possible repair wood that is rotten, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them off. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and apply a good quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair of sash windows or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the house. If this is happening the structural integrity of sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.


Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that may be present, and then 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 draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.

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