Sash windows are very reliable and usually give plenty of warning before they fail, and with a little knowledge of what to look for, potential problems can be sorted before they become expensive to repair.
Draughts Around a Closed Sash
As the sashes are closed check for any noticeable draughts running around the edges of the window. Any draughts detected are likely to be due to the sashes having moved out of square or the parting beads being worn.
Paint Sealing the Sashes Shut
Paint can also seal a sash so firmly into the frame that it can take years of effort to try and release it, when the worst that has happened is that the paint has been sealed into the groove. Again, it is better to get this sorted than to risk splitting the wood.
Gaps at the Frame Joints
Visible gaps between the individual frames of a sash window, or open mitre joints which have opened up, could indicate that the timber framing has moved and the joints have worked. According to Historic England, the maintenance of historic windows is best carried out in an early stage of failure in order to protect the original building fabric.
A Sash That Tilts in the Frame
A sash that sits unevenly in the frame, such as leaning to one side when raised, may indicate worn or missing staff beads or a racked frame that is out of square.
Condensation Between Panes
On double-glazed sash units, condensation trapped between the panes of glass indicates that the sealed unit has failed and will need to be replaced to prevent damp entering the surrounding timber.
When a number of these symptoms are prevalent it would be wise to seek professional repair work.
For Sash Window Repair, visit https://www.sashwindowpreservation.co.uk/services/sash-window-repair.
Catch these signs early to extend the life of the windows in your house by many decades.
