If You've Just Purchased Sash Window Repair ... Now What?

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to balance her window.

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

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose may allow in external noise and air which can increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both could be fixed with the proper tools and perseverance.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved 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. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and then set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner right below to contain any paint dust and chips.

You can then clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply an oil based on silicone to make them more gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it is still jamming it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. If this is the case, you'll have to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. It isn't easy to fix and you'll need to call in a professional most times.

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

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These can be effective, although they'll need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and wears away with use.

A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to the size you require and then push into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied throughout the course of your windows' lifespan, but it is a long-term solution and is easy to remove if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and placed into the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and pose a fire hazard. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, as well as staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as dealing with any minor timber defects. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce the cost.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The frames of these windows are typically constructed of high-quality wood. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture accumulation, which can cause wood rot.

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

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you'll probably need to use a knife to cut them out of the way. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is a good idea to check the sash weights inside the window as well, to ensure that they are properly balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can drop off its track and break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements, and are prone to deterioration from weather and glaze general wear. In time, this may cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or by the frame becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required upvc repairs to the sash window.

Over time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. The sill may show water marks or a window which is soft to the touch may be a sign of this. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary repair or replacement of sash window components.

Triple and double glazed sash windows do an amazing job at keeping noise out of the home, and it could be a cause for worry if they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will require replacement.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's rattles. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to open and then the ratchets will need to be reset.

Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and then remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance sash operation and reduce the risk of draughts.