Responsible For An Sash Window Repair Budget? 12 Ways To Spend Your Money Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance or even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to help 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

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll be difficult to see in the event that they shake during a thunderstorm. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected by using the appropriate tools and persistence.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic and an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to collect any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry, clean cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. This lubricant is sold at most home improvement shops or online. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it.

If it is still jamming it could be a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window if this is the situation.

Another reason for the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped out. This isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most instances.

Use a wood hardener if the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. You won't have remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated sash cords or unbalanced weights, they can allow cold air to seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several options you can take to prevent draughts from entering your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to prevent draughts. These can purchase at many hardware stores. These are efficient, but they will need to be replaced from time to time because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be applied by itself or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is costly and you'll have to apply it again over the course of the life of your window. But, it's a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and push it into the gaps that surround your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film will need to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a comprehensive renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include the installation of new sash strings parting beads and staff beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor defects in the timber. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the right restoration they can be repaired to ensure high performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

Most of the problems that you'll face with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual examination, however some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair damaged sections of timber however, the best method to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

First, clean window repairs 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). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights, should be removed. They can be put in place by nails and then covered with paint, so you will likely require a knife to get them loose. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler is dry, a coat of primer should be applied to prevent further decay.


It is an excellent idea to examine the sash weights within the window, too to ensure that they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash's weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be fitted that will stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

As time passes sash windows are exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. As time passes, this could result in wood decay that is then required to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks beneath the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Similarly, over time the rails on the bottom can become damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional consultation may be required to assess the situation and recommend any necessary replacement or resealing of sash window components.

It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window may have to be replaced.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be due to the sash cord being snapped or the result of a problem with the sash the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can aid in resolving this issue. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. 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 in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce draughts.