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Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little effort, they can be restored to a high level of performance.

First, remove the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a container with an identification label.

Sealing

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

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage within the Sash.

A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, rotting it, and mold growth. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option but it can rip, and it can affect the appearance of windows.

It is important to determine the size of the window opening before installing new sash runners. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail that connects them 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 structures there is a larger gap between the sash and the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to consider this when cutting and measuring 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 squarely and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. It is also essential to make use of stainless steel screws since brass can rust and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historic feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous, but they can be susceptible to issues. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is a more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good, if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves 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 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize the noise of rattling.

If you require a new sash it can be constructed from similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the local window repair frame.

If a window has been damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement, because each type of work will require a different degree of expertise and cost. If a large portion of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be a better alternative. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues often suggest replacement as the only logical solution. There are other options to improve sash window repair near performance other than replacing them. They can be improved by the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

Take note of the severity of the issue. It might not be necessary or necessary to replace windows. A foggy glass problem, for example, Windows Repair is usually caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to take on themselves. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping out of the window. It may also be beneficial to install a brush pile strip to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features in an older home can add character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Inspecting them regularly can help lower the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The sliding mechanism may become dislodged or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the frame of the window and should be left to a professional. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Making the window come apart starts by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and held by a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and the cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid puncturing the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-install the axles for the sash pulleys.