Why We Do We Love Sash Windows Repair (And You Should Too!)

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little attention they can be repaired to their original performance.

First, scrape off the seal of paint from the window stop with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. Keep the hardware in a bag with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, however they require maintenance. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may all be used to reduce the air leakage in a shutter.

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

If a gap in the window is preventing the windows from closing and opening without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option, but it can tear, and can affect the appearance of a window.

It is crucial to measure the entire window opening before installing new sash runners. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a proper fitting and better operation of the window.

In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash and frame at the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash, with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be cut to a square shape and then positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can get rusty. Also, make sure to use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful historical feature in many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are common issues. Rotting frames and rails that connect them, as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, but it can restore the look and function of your sash window the same or better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, Sash Windows Repair and repairing any damage caused by decay. Re-painting the frame of the timber 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 put in brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.

If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve the character of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in place, it's best to compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to replace or repair a damaged window, as each will require a different level and level of expertise. For example the case of a sash windows that has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues typically point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other options to improve sash window performance than simply replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of the issue, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is usually possible to repair a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. The majority of homeowners don't want remove the window frame to fix these problems. This is why many choose to work with a professional.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Place the hardware in a safe place. Heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for homeowners to decide whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits however, the original features of an older house provide personality and value to the property and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or become draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist because they require extensive dismantling. But, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings that are behind the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. 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. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint off the sash stops using a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent puncturing the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.