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Sash Windows Repair and Replacement Older sash windows may be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. With a little attention, they can be restored to their original performance. First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop with an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a container with an identification label. Sealing Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, however they require care. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy. Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing double glazing repairs Hayes , special products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit the air leakage in a sash. A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can lead to the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant. If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option but it has a tendency to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of a window. It is important to determine the size of the window opening before installing replacement sash runner. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rail that connects it, 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 structures the gap between sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to account for this when cutting and measuring the material. A strip must be cut to the height of the sash. There should be an additional inch on each side to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. It is also essential to make use of stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive. Refurbishment The Sash window is a beautiful and historic feature of many homes. These windows are gorgeous however they are susceptible to issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are common issues. And rotting frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. When these issues arise, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash. Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself however, it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window the same or superior to its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. 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 reduce the noise of rattling. If a new sash is needed It can be made using the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the heritage style of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission. Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit into the slots of the window frame. When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between repair or replacement because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For example when a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best choice. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill has begun to decay and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better. Replacement Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues usually suggest replacement as the only feasible solution. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, including installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing. Consider the extent of the problem. It might not be necessary or appropriate to replace a window. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs within the sash itself and can usually be solved without ripping out the whole frame. A weak seal can often be corrected by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement. Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually 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 opt to hire an expert. Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or update them to meet modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through 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 the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure position. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash. Repair It is essential for homeowners to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older home can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good shape can also reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash. Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become dislodged or draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the window frame and is best left to professionals. With the right tools and experience, it is possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics: Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Then, pull out the cords or chains on both sides and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight. When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and strip any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight. To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and then reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.