7 Things About Sash Windows Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years can have a variety of problems that include rattles and draughts. They might also be inefficiently insulated. A little bit of care can often bring them back to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and can be subject to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them or repairing them, or sealing them.

The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage inside a shutter.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is an issue that is common. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze could be required when a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening easily. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to stop sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option, but it has a tendency to tear, and can make a difference to the appearance of a window.

It is important to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and a better performance 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-strips, but it is crucial to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip should be cut to the width of the sash, and with an additional inch to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass will get rusty. Also, use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Rattling, window repairs near me , sticking or leaking are typical issues. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars, or damaged weights could add to the inconvenience. If you encounter any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself, however, it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window to as good, if not better than its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves 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 strip to prevent the rattling.

If a new sash is required it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve the character of your house. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the window frame slots.

When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and cost. For example when a sash window has a large chunk of glass missing, replacement is the best choice. But when the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good shape, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these issues. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It's important to consider the extent of a problem, as it may not be feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs within the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. A leaky seal can often be remedied with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame in order to repair these issues. Because of this, many choose to work with an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. It may also be beneficial to add a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

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

Repair


The decision to repair or replace the sash window is a major one for the homeowner. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits but the original features of a home that was built earlier give authenticity and value to the property and are generally less expensive to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

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

Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and held by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. After the sashes have been put returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and then re-attach the sash pulley axles.