14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Sash Windows Repair

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows may suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little effort, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.
First, remove the seal on the paint of the window stop using the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. Store the hardware in a bag that has a label.
Sealing
Sash windows are gorgeous in older structures, but they require care. They are susceptible to issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to limit air leaks within windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.
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 result in the leaking of moisture, rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be sealed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are stapled or nailed to the sash's lower edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option but it can tear and detract from the appearance of a window.
When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to take full measurements of the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can 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 a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be susceptible to problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are common issues. Frames that are rotting and rails that connect them, as along with broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems. If these issues occur, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself, but it will restore the look and function of your sash window the same or superior to its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame 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 reduce rattling.
If a replacement sash required, it can be made using the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the traditional style of your property. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Before putting the new window in, it's best to compare its metal tabs to those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit properly into the window frame slots.
If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and expense. For instance, if a sash window has a large chunk of glass missing then replacement is the best option. However when the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill is damaged, a repair would be the better option.
Replacement
While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. However, there are ways to improve sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
Take note of the severity of the issue. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace the window. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can be fixed by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have many moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to remedy some common problems, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle on their own. Because of this, many choose to work with an expert.
A specialist can help restore windows made of sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from rattling.
To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull out the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Then, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep upvc window repair in a secure place. Heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a putty blade. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a crucial one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages, the original features of an older home give character and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help reduce energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts and condensation. These issues can lead to higher cost of energy and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window sash to a professional, as they require extensive dismantling. But, with the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. It's now time to take out the upper sash. Take out the sash stops, a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity and is supported by cords. To keep the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
When the sashes are untied Clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and re-attach the sash pulley axles.