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Sash windows can be out of balance, or even break. Pam is on the lookout for salvaged, wavy glass and keep an eye out for discarded, metal sash weights. She then searches for replacements, like washers or nuts, to help balance her window.

Pam will set each pane by placing the glazing material in a rope into the rabbet groove, or pocket around the opening. This helps to reduce drafts and costly heat loss.

Sashes that stick Sashes

It's a nightmare when double glazing repairers-hung windows are stuck. They'll sway in the event of a storm and you'll lose your view. A window that's too loose can let air and noise in which could increase your energy costs. This is neither ideal, but both could be fixed with the right tools and a little determination.

A common issue with old weighted sash windows is that paint can accumulate in the channels they slide on, causing them jam. Fortunately, most issues related to this can be solved through cleaning and lubricating the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking that was between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Scrape off any paint that has accumulated. 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, wipe the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for better gliding. The lubricant can be found at many home improvement stores or on the internet. You can test it by moving the sash upwards or downwards.

If it still jams it could be due to an issue with the sash cord. Check to see whether the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or has snapped completely. If this is the case, you'll have to re-cord the window.

A pin that holds the rail in place could have fallen out. It can be difficult to fix, and you'll need to call an expert in most instances.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become swollen or warped it's a good idea to use a wood softener on it. It's a fast drying liquid that can aid in restoring damaged wood, so you'll be able to repair your sash window without having to take it off completely. After you've used it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the lower corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a problem with sash windows that are old particularly in the winter. They are usually caused by rotten wood, cracked putty or worn sash cords. This allows cold air to get inside the window, making it more difficult to warm your home. You can prevent drafts by filling in gaps with expanding foam, or by using draught-proof strips that are available at most hardware shops. These are effective, but they'll need to be replaced periodically because the foam expands and gets worn away with time.

Gapseal is a more permanent solution that is more permanent. It's a spongy rubbly seal that you can cut and push in the gaps between the window frames of the sash. It can be used by itself or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This option is costly and you'll need to apply it several times over the life of your window. However, it's an effective long-term fix and simple to remove.

Cling film can also be used to block draughts. Simply roll it up and then insert it into the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught stopper but the downside is that it could block sash travel completely and may be risky for fire. The sash has to be removed to reopen the window and the clingfilm must be to be reapplied each time the sash is closed.

As part of a complete renovation, you can have your window draught-proofed professionally. This may include the fitting of new sash strings staff beads and parting beads, the lubrication and rebalancing the weights and the fluidization and rebalancing of the pulley wheel. It may also involve staining or painting the frames and the sashes. This can help to restore the sash's function and improve its energy efficiency, as well as fixing any minor wood defects. It is less disruptive than removing windows and can help reduce drafts, enhance the thermal efficiency and dramatically reduce costs.

Decay

If your windows with sash have suffered damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The frames of these windows are typically constructed from high-quality timber. With the proper restoration they can be rehabilitated to ensure high performance for many more years. Regular inspections are essential in ensuring that the wood is adequately ventilated. This will stop the build-up of moisture that could cause wood rot.

The majority of problems with sash window are easily apparent, however some are more difficult to identify. Particularly, decay of wood is a difficult problem to fix because fungus can eat away at the wood. While it is possible repair double glazing rotten timber, the best way to prevent further decay is to keep the wood dry.

First, take off any paint from the hardware. The bottom rail and meeting rail might require removal from the frame (depending on the location of your sash). You'll then have to remove the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood on the side of the frame lower down that allow 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 likely require a knife to cut them out of the way. After the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply a high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, the primer must be applied to protect against further decay.

It is a good idea to examine inside the window the sashweights to make sure they are balanced. They should not be in the wrong alignment, or pulling one side more strongly than the other. If they're not balanced, the sash can fall off its track and cause damage to the frame. The sash weights can be replaced with new ones or a new mechanism for balancing could be fitted, which will stop the sashes from swinging towards the opposite side of the window frame.

Poor Security

Sash windows are prone to damage and wear from the weather over time. This can cause decay of timber, and requires replacement. Water marks under the window or a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to assess the situation, and determine if any sash window upvc doors repairs are necessary.

In time the rails on the bottom may also be damaged. This can be seen by the presence of water marks on the sill or by the window becoming soft. A professional consultation may be required to determine the situation and recommend any replacement or resealing of the sash window's components.

It is a major concern when triple or double windows are glazed and start to allow noise pollution back into the home. If this happens the structural integrity of the windows could be at risk, and they will most likely require to be replaced by a different option.

A common sash repair problem is when the sash gets stuck in the frame. It could be due to the cord snapping or a problem with sash rattles. If it's the latter, then a bit of gentle persuasion is usually enough to get the window to be opened to reopen. Alternatively, the ratchets need to be reset.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of dirt or dust can aid in resolving this problem. After cleaning the tracks, remove any security fittings, and then remove the sash cords or chains. The staff bead can be sealed with a draught-proof seal that will reduce the possibility of draughts. This can also improve the finish of paint. Decorators caulk can be used to fill the gap between the box of the sash and the sash. This will enhance the operation of the sash and also reduce the risk of draughts.