Notes

Why We Our Love For Sash Windows Repair (And You Should, Too!)
Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years may have various issues that include rattles and draughts. They might also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. With a little effort, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

First, knock off the seal of paint from the window stop using a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag that has an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and could be susceptible to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them, repairing or sealing them.


The gaps between sash frame are the main source of drafts. They can also cause noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Different methods can be employed to limit air leaks within a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is an issue that is common. This can result in moisture leaking in, rotting of the wood, and mould growth. The gap can be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the sash's lower edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it is prone to tear and affect the appearance of a window.

It is essential to determine the size of the window opening before installing an alternative sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the meeting rail and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners that will ensure the best fit and function 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 crucial to take this into account when cutting and measuring material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and the best quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning historical feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glass bars or faulty weights can cause a lot of trouble. When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash itself but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good if not superior to its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any rot damage. 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). Finally, it's recommended to install brush pile weather strips in order to minimize the rattling and increase insulation.

If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window on before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the slots of the window frame.

If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement because each type of work will require a different degree of expertise and cost. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be an option. But, if the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, such as installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or necessary to replace windows. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be corrected by a few easy fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to fix common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Many homeowners do not want to disassemble the window frame in order to fix the issues. Many homeowners decide to engage a professional for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, which will stop heat out of the window. You can also install an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To begin a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull the lower window sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Lastly, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Store the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it off with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install the upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace the sash window is a major one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits, the original features of an older home give personality and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could become sloppy or draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the window frame, so it's best left to the professionals. With the right tools and experience, it is possible to fix an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Then, pull out windows repairs or cords on both sides and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a large iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and secured by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and sash cords. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.

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