20 Resources That Will Make You Better At Sash Window Repair Sash Window Repair

Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then looks for replacements, such as washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam covers each pan with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and prevent costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double-hung windows get stuck. They'll sway in the event of an icy storm, and you'll lose your view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be solved with the appropriate tools and determination.

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


Start by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Then scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Be sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up sheets of plastic 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 aid in their smoother movement. You can purchase this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Examine whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll have to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. It isn't easy to fix and you will have to call a professional most times.

If a pin hasn't fallen out but the wood has gotten swollen or warped, it's a good idea to use a wood hardener on it. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove the windows on your sash to repair them. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a concern with old sash window, especially during the winter. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers, cracked putty, worn weights, or sash cords that are not balanced which can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or using strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is fairly expensive and will need to be reapplied throughout the duration of your window's lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off if you want to open the window.

Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the movement of the sash and cause a fire. Furthermore, the sash will need to be removed to open the window again and the cling film needs to be reapplied each time you close the sash.

As part of a general renovation it is possible to have your window draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the timber. It's much less disruptive than replacing 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 damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is usually of very high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial and so is making sure the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the build-up of moisture that could lead to wood rot.

Most of the problems you will encounter with sash windows will be evident upon close inspection, but some are harder to spot. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the wood is kept dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the connecting rail could need to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). It is possible to use a sharp knife to remove the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, it is recommended that a coat of primer be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be displaced or pulled one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to fall off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be fitted, which will stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to wear and tear from the weather over time. As time passes, this could cause wood decay, which in turn will need to be replaced - a costly repair that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Wood decay can be spotted by water marks under the window or the frame becoming soft to touch. It is crucial to speak with an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repair s are necessary.

In time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any repair or replacement of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when double and triple glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens, the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be in danger and is likely to need to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by the sash cord being snapped, or it could be a sign of an issue with the sash or ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

Removal of the sash from the frame and clearing the tracks of dirt or dust will often assist in resolving this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that might be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. A draught seal may be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the possibility of draughts.