Sash Window Repair Sash windows can get out of balance and break. Pam searches the internet for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for scraps of sash weights made of metal. She then looks for replacements, like 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 prevents drafts and costly heat loss. Sticking Sashes It's a nightmare when double-hung windows become stuck. They'll shake during an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose could let in external noise and air which could increase your energy costs. Neither scenario is ideal, but both can be fixed with the right tools and a little determination. Paint can accumulate on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Luckily, most issues with this can be resolved by cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Start by removing the caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape away any paint that's built up. Make sure to make use of a sharp blade and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips. Clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and then apply a silicone-based lubricant to aid in their smoother movement. The lubricant can be found at most home improvement shops or on the internet. Then, move the sash upwards or down to test it. If it is still jamming, there could be a problem with the sash cord. Verify if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. You'll need to re-cord your window If this is the case. Another possible cause of an obstruction is the pin that holds the meeting rail in place has slipped away. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to contact a professional in most cases. Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and swollen, but there's no pin. This liquid dries quickly and can help restore damaged wood. It's not necessary to take out your sash windows in order to repair them. After you've used it you should be able to break the two sashes by placing a piece of wood on the top of the corner where they meet, and tapping it lightly using an tool. Draughts Draughts can cause problems when you have an old sash window, especially during the winter. They are often caused by rotten wood cracks, cracked putty, deteriorated weights, or sash cords that are not balanced that 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. These are effective, but they will need to replace them 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 applied on its own or with adhesive strips on the top and bottom of the frame. This is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the course of the life of your window. However, it's an affordable fix that is simple to remove. Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it up and then insert it into the gaps around your window. This is a great draught-stopper however, it could also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Additionally, the sash will need to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film has to be applied every time you close the sash. A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a general refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication for the pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, in addition to staining or painting the frames and sashes. This can bring the sash back to its original function and increase its energy efficiency and correct any minor defects in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase thermal performance and significantly reduce costs. Decay The good news is that your windows' sash frames aren't beyond repair if they have been damaged or degraded. The timber used to construct the frames of these windows is typically of a very 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 making sure that the wood is well ventilated to prevent moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay. The majority of the issues you'll face with sash windows are easily visible on a close examination, however certain issues are more difficult to identify. Wood decay is a challenge to repair, since the fungus consumes the wood. While it is possible repair damaged timber but the best way to avoid future decay is to keep the wood dry. First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and the meeting rail might 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, which permit access to the weights, should be removed. These are often nailed in place and stuck with paint, so you'll likely need to use a knife to cut them off. After the pockets have been removed, you can begin cutting out any wood rot and apply a high-quality water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to prevent further decay. It is an excellent idea to examine the sash's weights inside the window, too to make sure they are properly balanced and not misaligned or pulling one side more than the other. The sash may slide off the track if they aren't properly balanced. This could cause the frame to crack or even be damaged. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing can be installed to stop the sashes from bouncing to the wrong side of the window frame. Poor Security Sash windows are vulnerable to wear and tear from weather and wear over time. This can lead to decay of the timber, which requires replacement. Water marks on the window or a softened frame can indicate wood decay. It is crucial to speak with a professional to assess the situation, and determine if any repairs to the window sash are needed. Over time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. This is evident by the presence of water marks on the sill, or the window becoming soft. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any necessary resealing of sash windows components or replacement. Triple and double glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, but it can be a real cause for worry when they begin to let it in. If this occurs the structural integrity could be at stake and the sash windows will require replacement. A common window repair issue for sash windows is that the sash becomes stuck in the frame. This could be caused by an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash ratchets, a little gentle pressure is usually enough. Removal of the sash from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust can help resolve this problem. 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. A draught seal can then be put on the staff bead to decrease draughts and improve the appearance of the paint finish. Decorators caulk can be used to fill in the gap between the sash's sash box and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and reduce the risk of draughts.