14 Misconceptions Commonly Held About Sash Windows Repair

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 attention, they can be restored to their original performance.
First, cut off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a container with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require 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 sash windows by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Different methods can be employed to limit air leaks within the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialist 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 the sill and the sash. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it, and mold growth. The gap can be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.
If a gap is hindering the windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is prone to tear and may alter the look of your window.
It is crucial to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fitting and better operation of the window.
In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash and the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed 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.
A strip must be cut to the height of the sash, and with an extra inch for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a beautiful historical feature of a lot of homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaks are all common problems. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, faulty frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. When these issues arise, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash but can restore your sash's look and function to the same standard in its original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves painting the frame with timber and reglazing 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). In addition, it is recommended to fit brush pile weather strips to lessen rattling and improve insulation.
If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is especially crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows will require planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they are different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the window frame slots.
If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and cost. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be an 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 wish to keep their old sash window in good shape, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues often lead to a replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.
Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or even appropriate to replace a window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows have a complex design with a lot of moving parts. window repair can be challenging to fix some common problems like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't something that most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. Because of this, many choose to work with an expert.
A professional can help restore windows with sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. It can also be helpful to install a brush pile strip, to stop rattling and reduce drafts.
To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it off with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and put back the upper sash.
Repair
It is important for homeowners to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features of an older home can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these issues can lead to higher energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or even draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the window frame and is best left to a professional. With the right tools and experience, it is possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Making the window come apart starts by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights attached. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity and is supported by a cord. To keep the sash from falling into the void, hit it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.