20 Fun Infographics About Sash Windows Repair

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little care they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance and could be susceptible to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit the air leakage within the shutter.

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

If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it tends to rip and can detract the appearance of your window.

It is crucial to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners which will ensure the best fit and function of the window.

In older buildings, the gap between sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the width of the sash, with an additional inch 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. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant, historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are typical issues. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars or faulty weights can cause a lot of trouble. When these problems occur it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash but it will restore the appearance and function to the same standard in its original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. It also includes re-painting the timber frame 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 strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.

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

Before putting the new window in It is recommended to examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit into the window frame slots.

If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose between replacement or repair, because each kind of work will involve a different level of expertise and price. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it is a better option. But when the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill is damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can result in problems like rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues often suggest replacement as the only logical solution. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is important to determine the severity of a issue, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. For example, a foggy glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and is typically a solution without having to tear out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cables. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't something most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. Because of this, many opt to hire a professional.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or update them to meet modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the double glazed window repairs from squealing.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure location. The heat gun will soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and put back the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features in an older home can add the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good shape can help reduce energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional since it requires extensive dismantling. But, with the right tools and Sash Windows Repair experience 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 on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and held by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then using a utility knife, 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 puncturing the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are aligned properly with the frame, and reattach the parting beads if needed. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.