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15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Ignore Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements, like nuts or washers to balance her window.

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

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare if your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake during a storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios aren't ideal however they can be fixed with the right tools and perseverance.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, window repair of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape off any accumulated paint. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

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

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in the majority of instances.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove the windows on your sash to repair them. Once you've used it, you'll be able to remove the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool.

Draughts

Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with use.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is simple to remove.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and put into every gap around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and may be a fire hazard. The sash must 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 refurbishment you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the replacement of sash cords and staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, as well as painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor flaws in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing the windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that your sash window frames are not in need of repair if they've been damaged or degraded. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of problems that arise from sash windows are readily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix damaged sections of timber however, the best method to stop further decay is to ensure the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the location of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). They can be fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried a coat of primer should be applied to protect against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash's weights inside the window, too, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could slide off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repairs to the sash window.


Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may 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 consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple-glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a major cause of worry if they begin to let it back in. If this is happening the structural integrity of the sash windows may be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with a different option.

A typical problem with repairing sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be caused by an untidy cord or problems with sash ratchets. If the issue is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be fixed by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. 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. The gap between the box and sash can be filled with decorators caulk to improve sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.

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