Sash Window Repair Sash windows may become out of balance or break. Pam scours the web for salvaged waving glass, wavy and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced. Pam will lay each pan by putting a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove or pocket around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes When your double-hung window gets stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. They'll be difficult to see when they squeak in a storm. A window that's too loose could let in air and noise which could increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not optimal but they can be fixed by using the proper tools and persistence. Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Start by removing the old caulking 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 place sheets of plastic as well as a dust-collecting vacuum cleaner below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips. Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone-based lubricant for more smooth gliding. This lubricant is available at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards. If it continues to stop it could be faulty. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash, or if it's snapped. If this is the situation, you'll need to replace the window's cord. A pin that keeps the rail in place might have lost its grip. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to call a professional in most instances. You can use a wood softener if the wood is swollen and warped but there's no pin. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, and you'll be able to fix your window sash without having to take it off completely. Once you've used it, you'll be able to break the two sashes by placing a block of wood on top of the bottom corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using the tool. Draughts Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They are often caused by rotten wood, cracked putty, worn sash cords or unbalanced weights which can allow cold air to get into the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. You can stop drafts by filling the gaps with expanding foam or using draught-excluding strips that are available in most hardware stores. They are efficient however you'll need to replace them periodically as the foam expands over time with usage. Gapseal is a stronger solution. 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 at 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's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove. Another popular DIY method of draughtproofing is to use cling film that is scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can stop sash movement completely and could pose a fire hazard. In addition the sash will have to be removed for you to open the window again and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash. As window repairs of a general refurbishment, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads as well as the lubrication and rebalancing of the weights, as well as the oiling and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It could also involve painting or staining of the frames and sashes. This will help restore the function of the sash and increase its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It is less disruptive than taking out the windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce the cost. Decay If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high 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 to rot. The majority of issues that arise with sash window are easily evident, but some are more difficult to spot. Wood decay is difficult to repair, since fungus eats the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure the timber is kept dry. First, remove any paint from the hardware. It is possible to remove the bottom rail from the frame and also the rail that joins it (this will depend on the position of the sash). The next step is to take off the pocket covers which are pieces of wood on the side of the frame that are low down that provide access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often fixed by nailing them in place and then securing them with paint, so you'll likely need to use an instrument to break them loose. Once the pockets are gone, you can begin to chisel out any wood rot and then apply a high-quality water-resistant wood filler. Once the filler has dried, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay. It is a good idea to examine inside the window for weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be displaced, or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may be thrown off its track if they are not properly balanced. This could cause the frame to fall or be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way. Poor Security Sash windows are prone to wear and damage from weather and wear over time. In time, this may lead to timber decay which is then required to be replaced, costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Wood decay can be detected by water marks on the window, or the frame turning soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any necessary repair work to the sash window. Similarly, over time the bottom rails can be damaged. This can be spotted by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft to touch. A professional will be needed to evaluate the situation and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement. It can be a real concern when double and triple windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this occurs the structural integrity could be in danger and the sash window will require replacement. A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be due to the sash cord being snapped or a sign of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If it is the latter scenario, a little gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened and then the ratchets must be reset. This issue can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removal of the sash cords as well as chains will allow the sash be removed. The staff bead can be sealed using a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the sash's box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the possibility of draughts.
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