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

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

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

First, take 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. Keep the hardware in a container with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require maintenance and could be susceptible to issues such as wet rot, cracked putty and drafts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also trigger rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage in the Sash.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can cause water leaking into the wood the wood, rotting and the growth of mould. Seal the gaps with silicone, Windows Repair polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering the windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges in order to stop sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it tends to rip and may alter the look of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash and the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash with an inch added on each side to allow movement. The strip should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass may rust. Also, make sure to use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a variety of problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights are all causes of problems. If these issues occur, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, but it will restore the look and function of your sash window as good if not better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by 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 the noise of rattling.

If a replacement sash is needed, it can be made using the same style to match your existing frame. This will maintain the heritage style of your house. This is especially crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows need planning permission.

Before you put the new window in place, it's best to check the metal tabs against those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different sizes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement because each type of work will require a different degree of expertise and price. For example the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best choice. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good condition, the deterioration of the windows can result in problems like draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why it's often the only solution to these issues. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It is important to determine the severity of the issue, since it might not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues such as broken panes, or snapped sash cables. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame to repair these issues. Many homeowners choose to engage a professional for these reasons.

A professional can help restore sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the double glazed window repairs. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Then remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it away using the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

It is important for homeowners to make a decision on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features of an older house can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Keeping them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can lead to more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The sliding mechanism may be slack or become draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window, so it's best left to professionals. With the right tools and skills it is possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Getting the window to come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, remove the sash at the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and supported by a cord. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are in the correct alignment with the frame, and reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.