So You've Bought Sash Windows Repair ... Now What?

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little bit of care can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.

First, remove the paint seal using an utility knife. Then, remove the staff bead and take the upper sash out and remove the chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood and the growth of mold. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the sash's lower edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option, but it can tear and make a difference to the appearance of windows.

When replacing sash runners It is crucial to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a good fitting and better operation of the window.

In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash and the frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into account when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip must be cut to the length of the sash, with an additional inch to allow for movement. It should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be susceptible to issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, draughts or sticking. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can add to the inconvenience. When these problems occur it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but can bring back the appearance and functionality to the same level as its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. It also involves painting the frame with timber and reglazing with traditional glass. A full refurbishment can also include adding draught proofing, re-attaching the sash furniture/ironmongery and replacing the parting bead (the dividing strip between the two panes of glass). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.

If the need for a new sash arises the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit properly into the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement, because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and expense. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be a better alternative. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good condition, however the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues often lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. This includes installing secondary double glazing window repairs and draught-proofing.

Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or necessary to replace the window. For instance, a fogging glass issue is usually a problem within the sash and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. It is usually possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows have a complex design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners would want to take on themselves. This is why many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping from the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Place the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it off with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to decide whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer numerous benefits, the original features of a home that was built earlier provide character and value to the property and Sash Windows Repair are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can lower the energy cost. Sash windows can be prone to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may be slack or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist because they require extensive removal. But, with the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity, and held by cords. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, hit it with nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords for the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops after the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the balancing.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and re-install the axles for the sash pulleys.