14 Questions You Shouldn t Be Afraid To Ask About Sash Windows Repair

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years old can be afflicted with many issues that include rattles and draughts. They might also be poorly insulated. A little attention can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

First, scrape off the paint seal from the window stop with an utility knife. Then, remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove the cords or chains and storing hardware in a bag marked.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they do need maintenance and are susceptible to issues like wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows sash is an effective way to reduce these problems and increase energy efficiency.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage in the shutter.

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

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze could be required when a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening smoothly. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the sash's lower edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it tends to rip and may alter the look of your window.

It is essential to measure the entire window opening prior to installing a replacement sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a proper fit and better operation of the window.

In older buildings the gap between frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

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

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful historical feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful, but they can be susceptible to issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are common issues. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. When these issues arise, it's time to consider repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it will improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window as good, if not better than the original condition. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the rattling.

If the need for a new sash arises it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit in the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between replacement or repair, because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and price. For example when a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing then replacing it is the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these problems. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, such as installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

Consider the extent of the issue. It might not be necessary or even appropriate to replace the window. 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. It is often possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Many homeowners do not want to take apart the window frame to fix the issues. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat from the window. You can also add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally take the sashweights out of the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and install the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for homeowners to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of a home that was built earlier add character and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close as the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist because they require extensive removal. With the right tools and skills it's possible to fix an the old sash window repairs yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart begins with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed which is a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and remove any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the weight that is balancing.

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