This Is The Ultimate Guide To Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair
Sash windows may become out of balance, or even break. Pam browses the internet for salvaged wavy glasses and keeps an eye open for discarded metal sashweights. She then looks for replacements, like washers or nuts, to ensure that her window is balanced.
Pam beds each pane with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove or pocket, around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.
Sashes that stick Sashes
When your double-hung window gets stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see if they rattle during a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose can let outside noise and air in and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both could be fixed with the appropriate tools and perseverance.
Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, which can cause them to block. Fortunately, the majority of issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.
Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the interior one) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that has accumulated. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up sheets of plastic and a vacuum cleaner right below to keep any paint dust and chips.
Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. You can find this at many home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards.
If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. It is necessary to re-cord the window If this is the case.
Another reason for a jam is that a pin that holds the rail in place has slipped out. -windowrepair/ window repair isn't easy to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in most cases.
If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's recommended to apply a wood hardener to it. 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 apart the two sashes by placing a piece wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet.
Draughts
Draughts are a major problem for old sash windows particularly during winter months. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This can allow cold air to get inside the window, making it difficult to warm your home. You can reduce the risk of drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or by utilizing draught-proofing strips that are that are available in most hardware stores. These are effective however you'll require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with usage.
Gapseal is a stronger 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 applied on its own or in conjunction with adhesive strips on the bottom and top of the frame. This is a bit costly and will have to be applied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer a long-term solution and is easy to take off when you wish to open the window.
Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is a great way to stop draughts however it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed to reopen the window, and the clingfilm must be to be applied every time the sash is closed.
As part of a complete overhaul, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This could include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of the pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This can aid in restoring the function of the sash, and increase its energy efficiency, while also fixing any minor wood defects. It's much less disruptive than replacing windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency.
Decay
The good news is that your sash window frames are not beyond repair if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The timber used in the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and with proper restoration they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is to conduct regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to avoid moisture build up which can cause wood decay.
The majority of issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since fungus can eat the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to stop further decay is to ensure that the timber is dry.
First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might need to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The next step is to remove the "pocket covers" that are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that allow access to the weights (the parting beads run down the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they are fixed or painted. Once the pockets are removed you can begin to chisel out any wood rot, and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried 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 balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash can be thrown off its track if it is not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism could be fitted to stop the sashes from swinging towards the wrong side of the window frame.
Poor Security
Over time sash windows are exposed to the elements and susceptible to damage from weather and general wear. This can lead to the decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repairs to the sash window.
Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch can indicate this. A professional will be required to evaluate the situation and recommend any repair of sash windows or replacement.
It can be a real concern when double and triple glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this is happening, the structural integrity of sash windows may 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. This could be caused by the cord snapping or problems with sash the ratchets. If the latter is the case the gentle pressure can help the window open and then the ratchets must be reset.
Removing the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dust or dirt can often aid in resolving this issue. After the tracks have been cleaned take off any security fittings that could be present and then carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the risk of draughts. This will also improve the finish of the paint. The gap between the box and the sash can be filled with decorators caulk in order to improve the operation of the sash and decrease the risk of draughts.