[Help] What holds the glass in a sash window?

[kevo]

Dear NSC, I have a small upstairs sash window (wooden). The upper section has a small gap between the actual pane of glass and the frame at BOTH the top and bottom. I'm not particularly worried about draughts, but is there any possibilty that the pane could fall out? The sides are completely secure. Presumably the glass is inserted into the sides of the frame?

What can I do to fix the gaps?

Excuse my ignrorance!

 

[knocky1]

Photo?

Sounds like it was done for permanent ventilation. It should be putty on the sides. You could take it out and replace with a bigger pane of glass.

 

[Mr Bridger]

Putty

 

[Taybha]

Most glass wooden frames in houses over 70 years old is actually only staying put because of the build up of dirt and moss formation in the seals , the putty that was originally placed to hold the glass there has long since met its demise .

My grandad told me this so don't take it as gospel .

 

[moggy]

It’s easy enough to take a sash window out.
Stick a screw through the ropes. Screws then hold the weights.
Remove the beading and pop it out.
The. You can mend it properly

 

[kevo]

It should be putty on the sides.

Thanks. So it doesn't matter if it's not also sealed at the top and bottom - doesn't make it less secure? That's all I need to know really. Mainly just worried about it falling out and braining someone!

 

[knocky1]

Thanks. So it doesn't matter if it's not also sealed at the top and bottom - doesn't make it less secure? That's all I need to know really. Mainly just worried about it falling out and braining someone!

Often a little tack, pin or nail is tapped in before the putty. Best way is to give it a little push to see if there is movement and check the condition of the putty.

 

[kevo]

Often a little tack, pin or nail is tapped in before the putty. Best way is to give it a little push to see if there is movement and check the condition of the putty.

Thanks

 

[Questions]

It’s held in by sprigs pins and putty. It usually drops If not supported at 5he bottom though.

 

[Not Andy Naylor]

Most glass wooden frames in houses over 70 years old is actually only staying put because of the build up of dirt and moss formation in the seals , the putty that was originally placed to hold the glass there has long since met its demise .

My grandad told me this so don't take it as gospel .

That sounds quite feasible. The dirt gave way on a pane of glass in one of my sash windows and it's now held in with gaffer tape. I realise this is not the ideal solution but ...