So You've Bought Sash Window Repair ... Now What? Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged Wavy glass, wavy glass, and keep an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by putting the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle during an icy storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose can let air and noise in, which will increase your energy bills. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed with the right tools and persistence.

Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. The majority of these issues can be resolved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you employ a sharp blade and then set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips.

Clean the tracks with a dry cloth, and apply a silicone-based lubricant that will aid in their smoother movement. It is available 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 block it could be defective. Check to see if the cord is caught or hanging from the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have fallen out. This isn't easy to repair, and you'll have to contact an expert in most instances.

Make use of a wood hardener in the event that the wood is swollen and warped, but there's not a pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, so you'll be able repair your window sash without having to remove it completely. After you've used it, you can take off the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old, especially in the winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. window repair can allow cold air to enter the window, making it more difficult to heat your home. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or draught excluder strips that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced from time to time as the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you will need to reapply it over the course of the life of your window. However, it is a long-term fix and is simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a good draught-stopper however, it could also block the sash's movement and even cause a fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window, and the clingfilm needs to be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a comprehensive renovation you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This could include the replacement of sash cords as well as parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and correct any minor imperfections in the timber. It is much less disruptive than replacing windows completely and will dramatically reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.

Decay

The good thing is that your frames for sash windows aren't damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or decayed. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide a high level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and making sure that the wood is properly ventilated to avoid the accumulation of moisture which can lead to wood decay.

The majority of the issues that you'll encounter with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair rotten timber, the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the timber dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame, and also the meeting rail (this will depend on the position of the sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, should be removed. It is possible to use a sharp knife for removing them if they are attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to remove any wood rot, and then apply a high-quality, water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to prevent further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they are not balanced the sash could slide off its track and could break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration due to weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which requires replacement. The signs of decaying wood can be seen by water marks under the window, or the frame turning soft to touch. A professional consultation will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed repair work to the sash window.

In the same way, over time, the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.


Triple and double glazed Sash windows do an incredible job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, and it could be a cause for worry when they begin to let it back in. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk and it will likely need to be replaced with an alternative option.

A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough.

This issue can be solved by taking off the sash and cleaning the tracks. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present, and then taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead may be sealed with a draught-proof seal to reduce draughts. This can also improve the paint finish. The gap between the box and the sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.