14 Questions You're Afraid To Ask About Sash Window Repair

Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for salvaged wavy glasses, and keep an eye out for discarded metal sashweights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she uses to create the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This reduces drafts and expensive heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm, and you'll lose your view. On the other side, a window that's too loose will let external air and noise in, and your energy bills may increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and perseverance.

Paint can accumulate on the channels of the old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Take the caulking off of the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Scrape off any paint that has built up. Use a sharp knife and put sheets of plastic and a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is sold in a majority of home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it still jams it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging from the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll need to replace the window's cord.

Another possible reason for the jam could be that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix and you will have to call an expert most of the time.

If a pin hasn't fallen out, but the wood has become warped or swollen, it's a good idea apply a wood hardener to it. The liquid is quick drying and can restore damaged wood. You won't have to remove your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it, you can pull off 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 in winter months. They can be caused by decayed wood, cracked putty, or worn sash cords. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam, or using draught-excluding strips available at most hardware shops. These are effective however you'll require replacement periodically because the foam expands with usage.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy, rubbly seal that you can cut and then push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll have to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it is an affordable fix that is easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a reliable draught stopper but the downside is that it can hinder sash movement completely and may be risky for fire. Additionally the sash will have to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash.


As part of a comprehensive renovation it is possible to have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This may include the fitting of new sash strings, parting beads and staff beads in addition to the lubrication and rebalancing the weights, as well as the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also include staining or painting the frames and sashes. This could bring the sash back to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor defects in the wood. It's less disruptive than taking out the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows are sash and have suffered decay or damage, the good news is that they aren't necessarily unfixable. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with the right restoration, can be restored to offer a high level of performance for many years. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is adequately ventilated. This will help prevent the build-up of moisture that could cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that arise from sash windows are readily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus eats away at the wood. It is possible to fix wood that is rotten, however the best way to prevent future rot is to make sure the timber is kept dry.

The first thing to do is to remove any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might have to be removed from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). The "pocket covers", which are small pieces of wood placed on the frame's side, which allow access to the weights, must be removed. You may require a sharp knife to take the pockets if they're attached by nails or paint. After the pockets have been removed, you can start cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the wood filler has dried it is recommended that a primer coat be applied to stop further decay.

It is a good idea to inspect inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are in balance. They should not be in the wrong alignment or pulled one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash is liable to fall off its track and break or damage the frame. You can replace the sashweights with new ones, or put in an entirely new balance system to prevent the sash from swinging the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and susceptible to deterioration from weather and general wear. This can lead to decay of timber, which will require replacement. Wood decay can be detected by water marks under the window or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation is required to determine the condition and recommend any required repair work to the sash window.

Over time, the bottom rails may also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window that is soft to the touch could be a sign of this. A professional will be required to assess the situation, and recommend any needed resealing of sash windows components or replacement.

It can be very concerning when triple and double glazed windows start to let noise pollution back into your home. If this happens the structural integrity of the window could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the latter is the case scenario, a little gentle pressure can help the window to be opened again - or alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and removing the tracks of any dust or dirt can often help resolve this problem. After the tracks have been cleaned, removing any security fittings that could be present. Lastly, carefully taking off the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.

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Pub: 05 Feb 2024 17:15 UTC
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