The Biggest Issue With Sash Window Repair, And How You Can Repair It

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows could be out of balance or break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye open for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, such as washers or nuts, to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose could let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal, but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and perseverance.

One of the most common issues with weighted sash windows is that paint may get sucked into the channels they slide over, causing them blockage. The majority of these issues can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Remove the old caulking from the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape away any accumulated paint. Be sure to use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. It is available in many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. It can be difficult to repair, and you'll have to consult a professional in most cases.

If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped it's recommended to use a wood hardener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, which means you'll be able to fix your sash window without having to take it off completely. 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 with an hammer.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They can be very effective, although they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with wear and use.

Gapseal is a stronger solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is fairly expensive and will have to be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is simple to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY solution to stop drafts is to use cling wrap that is rolled up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could stop sash movement completely and may be an hazard to fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed to re-open the window and the cling film has to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your windows draught-proofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It's less disruptive than removing windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are usually constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be repaired to provide high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to fix rotten sections of timber, however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is dry.

The first step is to strip 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 placed on the frame's side, which permit access to the weights should be removed. These can sometimes be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require an instrument to break them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to guard 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 swaying one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they are not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or install an updated balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. Over time, this can cause wood decay, which is then required to be replaced - an expensive repair that has to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is essential to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation, and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

Similarly, over time the rails at the bottom may become damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may indicate this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary replacement of the sash window's seal 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 happens the structural integrity of the windows could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This can be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window open to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead may be sealed with an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the risk of draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.