Sash Window Repair Sash windows can go out of balance and break. Pam is on the lookout on the internet for wavy glasses that are salvaged and keep an eye out for discarded sashweights made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced. Pam will set each pan by placing a rope of glazing material into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This prevents drafts and costly heat loss. Sticking Sashes If your double-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's an absolute nightmare. They'll rattle in the event of an icy storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let in air and noise, which will increase your energy costs. Both of these scenarios are not ideal but they can be corrected by using the proper tools and persistence. Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted sash window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks. Remove the caulking that was used in the space between the window stop (the one on the inside) and the frame of the window. Then scrape off any paint that's built up. Make sure you use a sharp blade, and set up plastic sheets and a vacuum cleaner directly below to keep any paint dust and chips. Then, clean the tracks with a dry cloth and apply a silicone lubricant for better glide. It is available at the majority of home improvement stores or online. You can test it by dragging the sash upwards or downwards. If it continues to block the sash cable could be faulty. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is caught or hanging in the sash, or has snapped off completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window. A pin that holds the rail in place might have been ripped out. This can be tricky to fix, and you'll need to consult an expert in the majority of cases. Use a wood hardener when the wood is swelling and warped but there's no pin. It's a quick drying liquid that can help restore damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your window without having to take it off completely. After using it, you can pry off the two sashes by placing a piece of wood in the lower corner of the window where they meet. Draughts Draughts are a major problem for windows with sash windows that are old particularly during winter months. They are often caused by decaying wood, cracked putty, or worn cords for sash. This allows cold air to enter the window, making it difficult to heat your home. There are several things you can do to prevent draughts from entering your windows that are sash, like filling any gaps with foam that expands or strips to block draughts that you can purchase at many hardware stores. They can be very efficient, but they'll need to be replaced regularly because the foam expands and wears away with time. Gapseal is a longer-lasting solution. It's a spongy rubbbery seal you can cut and then push into the gaps between the sash window frames. It can be used alone or in conjunction with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is a bit costly and must be reapplied over the course of your windows' lifetime but it does offer an option for the long term and is easy to take off in the event that you want to open the window. Cling film can also be used to block drafts. Simply scrunch it up and push it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper, but the drawback is that it can hinder sash movement completely and could pose risky for fire. In addition the sash needs to be removed for you to re-open the door and the cling film needs to be applied each time you close the sash. A more cost-effective solution is to have your sash windows professionally draught proofed as part of a complete refurbishment service. This could include the replacement of sash cords and parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and staining or painting the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original purpose and increase its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the timber. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, improve the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs. Decay If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically made of high-quality timber. If you can restore them properly, they can be restored to give you the best performance for many more years. The key is regular inspections and ensuring that the timber is properly ventilated to stop moisture accumulation which can cause wood decay. The majority of issues you will encounter with sash windows are readily apparent on close visual inspection, but certain issues are more difficult to identify. In particular, wood decay is a very difficult problem to treat because fungus consumes the wood. Although it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the timber dry. First, clean any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and 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 that are placed on the frame's sides that allow access to the weights should be removed. You may require a sharp knife for removing them if they're painted or nailed into place. Once the pockets are removed, you can begin slicing out any wood decay and apply an excellent, water-resistant filler. Once the filler has dried the primer must be applied to guard against 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 swaying one side more than the other. If they aren't balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights could be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted to stop the sashes from bouncing to the opposite side of the window frame. Poor Security Over time, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to deterioration from weather and general wear. In time, this may result in wood decay that in turn will need to be replaced - costly repair that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is essential to speak with a professional to assess the situation and determine if any repairs to the sash window are required. 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 can indicate this. A professional consultation will be required to assess the situation and recommend any needed replacement or resealing of sash window components. Double and triple-glazed Sash windows do a fantastic job at keeping noise pollution out of the home, but it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this occurs the structural integrity of the window could be at risk and the sash window will require replacement. A typical sash repair issue is when the sash becomes stuck in the frame. It could be due to a snapped cord or an issue with the sash's ratchets. If the problem is with the sash's the ratchets, some gentle persuasion is often the best solution. Removal of the sash from the frame and removing the tracks of dust or dirt can often assist in resolving this issue. Once the tracks are clean take off any security fittings that may be present, and then removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce draughts. This will also improve the finish of paint. 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 draughts.