Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. Sash Windows Repair and [[https://www.257634.xyz/o8gyd-r363zp-5z14d-8wo-a04mo9-3803/|257634]] Replacement Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little care they can be restored to their original performance. First, scrape off the seal of paint from the window stop using a 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 the label. Sealing Sash windows look stunning in older structures, but they require care. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them. Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Different methods can be employed to stop air leaks from a sash window, including sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing. A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is an issue that is frequent. This can lead to moisture leaking in, rotting wood and growth of mold. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant. (Image: [[https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/646/296/veleco-faster-4-wheeled-mobility-scooter-fully-assembled-and-ready-to-use-safe-and-stable-alarm-spacious-storage-cupholder-blue-296.jpg|https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/646/296/veleco-faster-4-wheeled-mobility-scooter-fully-assembled-and-ready-to-use-safe-and-stable-alarm-spacious-storage-cupholder-blue-296.jpg]])Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze might be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening effortlessly. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the sash's lower edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option, but it is prone to 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 to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners, which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window. In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash as well as the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting the material. The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass may get rusty. Also, [[https://www.257634.xyz/52cx2r-db9stv7-5n13ote-x9i-9x5-4973/|257634.xyz]] make sure you use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue. Refurbishment The sash is a stunning, historical feature of many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be susceptible to problems. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can cause a lot of trouble. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash. Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash but can bring back the appearance and function to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by the 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to minimize rattling. If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made from similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve your property's heritage style. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission. Before you put the new window on, it's best to examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes, the new sash will not fit into the slots of the window frame. It is crucial to determine whether to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each option will require a different degree and level of knowledge. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass missing then replacing it is the best option. However, if the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has been rotting 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 result in problems like rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other ways to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing. Think about the scope of the issue. It might not be necessary or even suitable to replace a window. A foggy glass problem, for example is typically caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it. Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and have many moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to fix common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to disassemble the window frame to fix the issues. Many homeowners opt to engage a professional for these reasons. A specialist can help restore sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from rattling. To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Lastly, remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Store the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and install the upper sash. Repair The choice to replace or repair windows with sash is a crucial one for homeowners. Modern replacements offer many advantages, but the original features of an older house can add character and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and [[https://www.257634.xyz/16d-1jzuu1r-7wf9xs-4acde-q7t51s-555/|257634]] rattles. This could result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash. Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist because it requires extensive dismantling. However, with the right tools and experience it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start: Remove any security fittings that are behind the lower window sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, remove the cords or [[https://www.257634.xyz/m03i-o9mvq-18a5hi-5a9j-j8um5g6-2117/|257634]] chains on both sides and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, hit it with a nail and sacrifice the weight. After the sashes have been removed clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint off the sash stops using a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight. Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads for parting if necessary. Finally, reattach the sash chains or cords and re-attach the sash pulley axles.