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

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have various issues such as rattles and draughts. They might also be inefficiently insulation. A little care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and are susceptible to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot, 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.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also trigger rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is an issue that is frequent. This can cause the leaking of moisture, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be closed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the sash's lower edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it can rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to measure the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older buildings the gap between the frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. The strip should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass may be rusty. Also, make sure to use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. Common problems include rattling, stickiness or draughts. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could add to the inconvenience. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is a more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good, if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by the rot. It also involves re-painting the frame of timber and re-glazing 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 put in brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.

If a replacement sash is required, it can be made with the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the heritage style of your home. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.

When a window is damaged it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and price. If window repairs near me of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be the better alternative. However in the event that the glass is damaged in a tiny section or a sill is decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. But there are ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

It's important to consider the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a foggy glass issue usually occurs within the sash itself and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also be fixed with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that the majority of homeowners would like to take on themselves. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.

A specialist can help restore sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. It may also be beneficial to put in a brush pile strip to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To start a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for the homeowner to decide whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features of an older house can add character and value. They are also less expensive to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good shape can help lower the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist since it requires extensive dismantling. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to start:

The process of bringing the window apart begins by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's now time to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and held by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.


Once the sashes are free Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and strip any paint off the sash stops with a utility knife. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and reattach 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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Pub: 07 Feb 2024 01:10 UTC

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