Notes

14 Common Misconceptions About Sash Window Repair
Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or even break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, which is located around the opening. This reduces drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will allow external noise and air in, and your energy bills may increase. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Make sure to use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to help them slide better. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it still jams, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation.

A pin that keeps the rail in place could have been ripped out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call a professional in most cases.

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

Draughts

Draughts can cause problems with old sash window, especially during the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers or cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that 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 by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a stronger solution. 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 used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will need to be applied over the time of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is simple to remove when you wish to open the window.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and then push it into all the gaps that surround your window. This is a good draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal performance.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to give you the best performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop moisture build-up that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues you will face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is difficult to fix, as the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber however the best method to prevent further decay is to keep the timber dry.

The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). window repair will then need to take off the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to take them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler is dry it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. This can cause decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks on the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. It is essential to speak with an expert to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.


In the same way, over time, the rails on the bottom can become damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this is happening the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced by a different option.

One common problem with repairing sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's rattles. If it is the latter the gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and carefully remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of the paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the efficiency of the sash and also reduce draughts.

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