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Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then hunts for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help balance her upvc window repairs.

Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, which is located around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double-hung windows get stuck and shatters, it's a nightmare. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose may allow air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not ideal however they can be fixed by using the proper tools and perseverance.

A common issue with old windows with weighted sash is that paint could build up in the channels that they slide on, causing them blockage. Most of these problems can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Start by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

You can then clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to make them more gliding. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards.

If it continues to jam it could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

Another possible cause of a jam is the pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. It can be difficult to fix and you'll have to call an expert most times.

Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can repair damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you'll be able break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on the bottom corner where they meet and tapping it lightly with the hammer.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can prevent 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, but they will require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, a sponge-like seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This option is expensive and you'll need to reapply it over the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it could block sash travel completely and pose risky for fire. Additionally the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This can include the installation of new sash string, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing the windows altogether and will significantly reduce draughts as well as improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good thing is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used in the frames of these windows is generally of a very high quality and with proper restoration they can be revived to provide the best performance for many years. The key is regularly checking the frames and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window repair are easily visible, but others are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, remove any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood in the side of the frame lower down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets are removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to guard against further decay.

It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are in balance and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash can fall off its track if it is not balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or become damaged. You can replace the sashweights by new ones, or install an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any necessary sash window repair work.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional will be required to examine the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple or double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity could be at risk and the sash window will have to be replaced.

One common sash window repair problem is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. This could be caused by a snapped sash cord, or it could be the result of a problem with the sash's or ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash rats, a bit of gentle persuasion will usually work.

This problem can be resolved by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal may be applied around the staff bead to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and also reduce draughts.