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Sash Window Repair Sash windows can get out of balance and crack. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then seeks replacements in the form of washers or nuts to help balance her window. 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 It's a nightmare when your double-hung windows are stuck. They'll shake in the event of a storm and you'll lose view. A window that is too loose may allow air and noise in which can increase your energy bills. This is neither ideal, but both could be addressed with the appropriate tools and determination. A common issue with old windows that are weighted is that paint may accumulate in the channels that they slide on, causing them jam. Luckily, most issues with this can be solved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Begin by removing the caulking that was between the window stop (the internal one) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Use a sharp knife and place sheets of plastic as well as dust-collecting vacuum cleaners below the surface to collect any paint dust or chips. Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant to ensure more smooth sliding. You can find this at the majority of home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash either upwards or downwards. If it still jams, there could be an issue with the sash cord. Verify whether the cord is tangled or hung in the sash or if it's snapped. If this is the case, you'll need to reconnect the window. Another possible cause of the jam could be the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most cases. Make use of a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped, but there's not a pin. This liquid will dry quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary remove your sash windows 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 can be a problem when you have an old sash window particularly in winter. They can be caused by decaying wood, cracked putty or worn cords for sash. This causes cold air to seep around the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are some things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or draught excluder strips that you can purchase at many hardware stores. These are effective, but they will require replacing them regularly because the foam expands with use. A more permanent solution is Gapseal which is a rubbery spongy seal that can be cut to size and insert into the gaps between the window frames of your sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you'll need to apply it again over the life of your window. But, it's an affordable fix that is easy to remove. Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps around your window. This is an effective draught blocker, but the drawback is that it can block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed in order to reopen the window and the clingfilm needs to be to be applied every time the sash is closed. As part of a complete refurbishment, you can have your window 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 and the lubrication and rebalancing the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting of the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency and fix any minor imperfections in the wood. It's much less disruptive than replacing the windows entirely and can significantly reduce draughts as well as improve your home's thermal efficiency. Decay The good thing is that your sash window frames are not damaged beyond repair even if they have been damaged or deteriorated. The wood used in the frames of these windows is generally of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to offer a high level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will prevent moisture build-up that can cause wood decay. Most of the problems you'll face with sash windows are evident upon close examination, however some are more difficult to detect. In particular, wood decay is a difficult issue to address because fungus consumes the wood. It is possible to repair wood that is rotten, however, the best method to prevent future decay is to ensure that the timber is dry. First, remove 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 location of the sash). The next step is to remove the “pocket covers” which are pieces of wood that are located on the sides of the frame that are low down that give access to the weights (the parting beads run through the middle of them). These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you will probably need to use an instrument to break them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality water-resistant filler. After the filler has dried, a coat of primer should be applied to guard against further decay. It is a smart idea to inspect inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are properly balanced. They should not be misaligned or pulled one side harder than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash could drop off its track and could cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new balancing mechanism can be installed to stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame. Poor Security Sash windows are prone to wear and damage due to weather conditions over time. This can cause decay of timber, which requires replacement. Water marks under the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. A professional consultation will be needed to assess the situation and recommend any required repairs to the sash window. In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. Luton double glazing is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft to the touch. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any resealing or replacement of the sash window's components. Double and triple glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise out of the home, and it could be a cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will require replacement. A common issue with repairing sashes is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or problems with sash rattles. If the latter is the case, then a bit of gentle persuasion can usually help the window to be opened again – or alternatively, the ratchets will need to be reset. This issue can be solved by removing the sash and cleaning the tracks. After cleaning the tracks, take off any security fittings, and then remove the chains or cords that hold the sash. A draught seal could be placed around the staff bead in order to reduce draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to improve the operation of the sash and decrease draughts.