A Sash Windows Repair Success Story You'll Never Be Able To

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. A little care can often bring them back to their original performance.

First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop using a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a bag that has a label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require maintenance and are susceptible to problems like wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary source of draughts. They can also trigger rattling and repairs reduced sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sash and the sill. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and growth of mold. The gap can be closed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening smoothly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it is prone to rip, and it can affect the appearance of a window.

When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to measure the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and a better performance of the window.

In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash as well as the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into account when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed square and placed so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass can rust. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful historical feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are prone to a range of issues. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as and broken double glazing repairs bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems. When these issues arise, it's time to consider repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard in its original condition. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by decay. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is glazing using 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 put in brush pile weather strip to prevent the rattling.

If a new sash is needed, it can be made using the same design to match your old frame. This will maintain the heritage style of your house. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they are different shapes, the new sash will not fit inside the slots of the window frame.

If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement because each type of work will require a different level of expertise and expense. If a large portion of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be an alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay, then a repair would be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good shape, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these issues. There are other options to improve sash window performance than simply replacing them. They can be improved by the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the extent of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. A foggy glass problem, for example is typically caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common issues like broken panes or snapped sash cable. Solving these issues usually requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a major one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide numerous benefits but the original features of an older home give character and value to the property and are generally less expensive to fix than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can lead to more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the window frame and is best left to a professional. With the right tools and skills, it is possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Getting the window to come apart begins by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, Repairs which is tucked away in a cavity, and supported by a cord. To keep the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and sash cords. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.