Notes

7 Things About Sash Window Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Sash Window Repair

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

Pam will bed each pane by placing an edging rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This reduces drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let in air and noise which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with windows that are weighted is that paint could get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them jam. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then put up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to catch any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, then apply a silicone-based lubricant that will help them slide better. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call a professional most often.


You can use a wood softener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able repair your window without having to remove it completely. After using it, you'll be able pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with a Hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced which can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of draughts by filling gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. They're effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and cause a fire. The sash must be removed to open the window and the clingfilm needs to be reapplied every time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This can include new sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce drafts and enhance the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly they can be rehabilitated to give you the best performance for many more years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues with sash windows are easily evident, but some are more difficult to detect. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to address because fungus consumes the wood. Home is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood that are placed on the frame's sides that permit access to the weights, should be removed. You may need to use a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to prevent further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights inside the window too to make sure they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as is possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could indicate this. A professional will be needed to examine the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be at stake and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped or an indication of a problem with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window to open again - or alternatively, the ratchets must be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that may be present and then carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. 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 paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce draughts.

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