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Sash Window Repair Sash windows could be out of balance, or even break. Pam searches the web for salvaged wavy glasses, and keeps an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then searches for replacements in the form of nuts or washers to balance her window. Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she puts into the rabbet groove or pocket, that is around the opening. This helps cut drafts and reduce the cost of heat loss. Sashes that stick Sashes If your double-hung window becomes stuck, it's a nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. On the other hand, a window that's too loose will let external noise and air in and your energy bills can increase. This is neither ideal, but both can be solved with the appropriate tools and determination. Paint can build up on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to block. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved through 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. Scrape off any paint that has been accumulating. Make use of a sharp knife, and place sheets of plastic and dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to catch any paint dust or chips. Clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better sliding. The lubricant can be found in a majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards. If it continues to jam it could be due to a problem with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging up in the sash, or if it has snapped off completely. You'll have to re-cord your window if this is the situation. Another reason for an obstruction is that a pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to repair, and you'll have to consult an expert in most cases. If a pin isn't falling out but the wood has become swollen or warped, it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pry the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood in the bottom corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts are a significant issue for windows with sash windows that are old particularly in winter months. They are often caused by rotten wood or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced that let cold air seep in around the window and make it difficult to keep your home warm. There are several things you can do to help prevent draughts in your sash windows, such as filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They are efficient however, you will require replacing them regularly as the foam expands with use. Gapseal is a more permanent solution. It's a spongy rubbly seal that can be cut and push into the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used on its own or with adhesive strips placed on the top and bottom of the frame. This option is quite costly and will need to be reapplied over the course of your windows' life, but it can provide a long-term solution and is easy to take off if you want to open the window. Another popular DIY draught proofing solution is to use cling film scrunched up and pushed into all the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however it could also block the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. The sash needs to be removed to open the window and the clingfilm will need reapplied every time the sash is closed. As part of a general renovation, you can have your sash window professionally draught-proofed. This can include new sash cords, staff beads, parting beads, lubrication of pulley wheels and rebalancing of the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will help restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, in addition to fixing any minor wood imperfections. It's less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce draughts, improve thermal performance and significantly reduce costs. Decay If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is they aren't necessarily damaged beyond repair. 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 an excellent level of performance for a long time. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture build up which can cause wood rot. The majority of the issues you will encounter with sash windows are easily visible on a close inspection, but some are more difficult to detect. Wood decay is difficult to treat, since the fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair rotten sections of timber, but the best way to avoid further decay is to ensure that the timber is kept dry. The first thing to do is to strip any paint off the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail could have to be removed from the frame (depending on the position of your sash). The “pocket covers”, which are small pieces of wood on the frame's side that permit access to the weights will need to be removed. They can be nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin to chisel away any wood rot and apply a good quality water-resistant wood filler. After the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay. It is recommended to inspect the sash weights within the window too, to ensure that they are balanced and not pulling one side more than the other. The sash could be thrown off its track if they aren't balanced. This could cause the frame to break or even be damaged. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or install a new balancing system to stop the sash from moving the wrong way. Poor Security Sash windows are susceptible to damage and wear from weather and wear over time. Over time, this can result in wood decay that requires to be replaced – an expensive repair that has to be addressed as quickly as possible. Water marks under the window or a frame that is soft could be a sign of decaying wood. A professional consultation will be required to determine the condition and recommend any needed sash window repair work. In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. Water marks on the sill or a window which is soft to the touch may be an indication of this. A professional is required to assess the situation, and recommend any resealing of sash windows components or replacement. It can be a real concern when triple and double glazing windows begin to let noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows' sash could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced with a different option. A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This can be caused by a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to open and then the ratchets must be reset. window repairs Bow can be fixed by taking the sash off and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings and carefully remove the sash cords or chains. A draught seal could be put on the staff bead in order to reduce the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will improve the sash's operation and reduce the risk of draughts.