Notes

The Advanced Guide To Sash Windows Repair
Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years may have a variety of problems that include rattles and draughts. They could also be poorly insulated. With a little care they can be restored to their original performance.

First, cut off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and are susceptible to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot, and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great way to reduce these problems and increase energy efficiency.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Various methods can be used to limit air leaks within a sash window, including sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing.

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

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze could be required if a gap prevents windows from closing and opening easily. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners that will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

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

A strip should be cut to the width of the sash, and with an additional inch to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can rust. Also, use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning, historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, defective weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good if not superior to its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is re-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 install brush pile weather strip to prevent rattling.

If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for listed properties where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit in the window frame slots.

It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each choice will require a different degree and cost of knowledge. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be the better alternative. But when the glass is damaged in a tiny section or a sill is rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, however it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these problems. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, including installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Take note of the severity of the problem. It may not be necessary or even appropriate to replace the window. A foggy glass problem, for example, is usually caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with many moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to tackle themselves. Many homeowners decide to engage a professional for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or update them to meet modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. It is also possible to install an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Store the hardware in a safe location. The heat gun will soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.


Repair

It is crucial for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits but the original features of an older house add personality and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window sash to a professional, as they require extensive removal. With the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Unscrew repairs to upvc windows (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity and is supported by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void, you must pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint from the sash stop. When the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid puncturing the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Finally, reattach the sash chains or cords and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.

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