10 Real Reasons People Hate Sash Windows Repair

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years may have various issues, including draughts and rattles. They could also be inefficiently insulated. With a little attention, they can be restored to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve the efficiency of energy.

The gaps between sash frame are the main source of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may all be used to reduce the air leakage within the sash.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sash and the sill. This can result in water leaking into the wood and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary if a gap prevents the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline of 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 an improved fit and performance of the window.

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

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can be rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling, Sash Windows Repair sticking or leaking are typical issues. The rotted frames and the rails that connect them, as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights can all cause problems. When these problems occur it's time for an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash however, it can restore your sash's look and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves the lining of the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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 minimize the rattling.

If a replacement sash needed, it can be made using the same design to match your old frame. This will help preserve the style and character of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in before installing it, make sure you examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit properly into the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it's essential to choose between replacement or repair, because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and cost. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be an alternative. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these problems. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary double glazing window repairs.

Consider the extent of the issue. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace windows. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can be fixed with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows have a complex design with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like broken panes or snapped sash cables. The solution to these issues typically involves taking apart the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to tackle themselves. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat loss from the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from shaking.

To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the equipment in a secure place. The heat gun will soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair a sash window is a major one for the homeowner. Modern replacements offer many advantages, but the original features in an older house can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become dislodged or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals, as it requires a lot of removal. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and supported by cords. To keep the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and sash cords. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent puncturing the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.