If You've Just Purchased Sash Windows Repair ... Now What?

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to their original performance.

First, take off the paint seal 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 bag with an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, however they require maintenance. They are susceptible to problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to minimize these issues and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to limit air leaks within a sash window, including sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing.

A common problem 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 cause moisture leaking in the wood, rotting and growth of mould. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be required if a gap prevents windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fitting and better operation of the window.

In older buildings the gap between sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.

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

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. Rotting frames and rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, defective weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. If you experience any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good, if not superior to its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by 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 window repair). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce the rattling and increase insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made using similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for listed properties where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in place before installing it, make sure you check the metal tabs against the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes the new sash may not fit in the slots of the window frame.

When a window is damaged it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will require a different level of expertise and cost. For instance when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing, replacement is the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want 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 typically point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. There are other ways to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash, and sash windows Repair can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are a complicated design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to remedy some common problems like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to tackle on their own. This is why many opt to hire an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat loss out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Lastly, remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Place the equipment in a secure place. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits however, the original features of a home that was built earlier give character and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair timber windows than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the window frame, so it's best left to professionals. With the right tools and experience, it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a concealed cavity and secured by rope. To stop the sash falling into the void make a hole in it using nails and remove the weight.

When the sashes are untied clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using the help of a utility knife. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk puncturing the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.