7 Things About Sash Window Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam browses the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements, like washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, also known as a pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

If your double-hung window becomes stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. You'll lose sight if they rattle during a storm. A window that's too loose may allow in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, window repairs near me of issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating 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 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.

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

If it continues to stop the sash cable could be faulty. Check to see whether the cord is stuck or hanging from the sash or snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have lost its grip. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact an expert in most cases.


Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, and you'll be able to repair your window without needing to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. Often caused by rotten timbers, cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that allow cold air to seep into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. They're effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with use.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal, which is a rubbery spongy seal that you can cut to size and insert into the gaps between your sash window frame. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and must be applied over the time of your windows' 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 solution to stop drafts is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied every time you close the sash.

As part of a complete overhaul you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the installation of new sash strings, staff beads and parting beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting of the frames and the sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the wood. It's less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts and improve the thermal efficiency of your home.

Decay

The good news is that windows' sash frames aren't in need of repair if they've been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is usually of a very high quality and, with proper restoration, they can be revived to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are crucial, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the accumulation of moisture that can lead to wood rot.

The majority of issues with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, wood decay is a difficult problem to fix because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

The first step is to strip any paint off the hardware. It could be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). You will then need to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). These can sometimes be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely require a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can start slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window for sashweights to ensure they are balanced. They shouldn't be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash is liable to drop off its track and could break or damage the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balance mechanism can be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging to the wrong side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Over time sash windows become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. Over time, this can lead to timber decay which in turn will need to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be dealt with as soon as is possible. Water marks on the window or a frame that is soft could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Sills that have water marks or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional consultation will also be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of window sash components.

Double and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, and it could be a major cause of worry when they begin to let it in. If this happens the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash windows will have to be replaced.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. This could be due to a snapped sash cord or it could be a sign of a problem with the sash's ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset.

Removing the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using an draught-proof seal in order to minimize the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and lessen draughts.