Notes

20 Fun Facts About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window.


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

Sticking Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. On the other side, a window that's too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills could increase. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be rectified with the right tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide on, making them blockage. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will make them more gliding. You can find this in the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If window repair is still jamming it could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place may have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will require the help of an expert most often.

You can use a wood softener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes 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 significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips found in many hardware stores. They are efficient, but they will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A more permanent option is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that you can cut to size and put into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is expensive and you will need to apply it several times throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm will need to be applied every time the sash is closed.

An alternative that is less expensive is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This could restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing windows and will reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up, which can cause wood decay.

The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are evident upon close inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult issue to fix because fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible to repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may require a sharp knife to take them if they are attached by nails or paint. Once window repairs have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.

It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of the timber, which will require replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If it's the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce draughts.

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