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Sash Windows Repair and Replacement Sash windows that are older than 20 years may have a variety of problems, including draughts and rattles. They might also be poorly insulation. With a little attention, they can be restored to a higher level of performance. First, take off the seal with a 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 a label. Sealing Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require maintenance and can be subject to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot, and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing, repairing or sealing them. Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing. A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can cause the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. Seal the gap with 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 easily. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it is prone to tear and may alter the look of your window. It is essential to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail of the meeting and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fitting and better operation of the window. In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash and the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is important to account for this when cutting and measuring the material. The strip should be cut at the top of the sash with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass will rust. Also, use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue. Refurbishment The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars or weights that are not working properly can add to the inconvenience. When these problems occur it's time for an sash repair or replacement. Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but it will restore your sash's look and functionality to the same level that it was in its original form. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any rot damage. double glazing repair Whitstable -painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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). Finally, it's recommended to install brush pile weather strips in order to minimize the rattling and increase insulation. If a new sash is required the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows need planning permission. Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit properly into the window frame slots. It's important to decide whether to repair or replace the damaged window, since each option will require a different level and amount of expertise. For example, if a sash window has a large piece of glass missing then a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate. Replacement While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually result in problems like rattles, draughts or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these problems. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing. Think about the scope of the issue. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace a window. A foggy glass problem for instance, is usually caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also be fixed with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement. Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to solve common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't something most homeowners would want to take on themselves. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a professional. A specialist can assist in restoring windows with sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. You can also install an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from rattling. To begin a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords on both sides. Then, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the equipment in a secure place. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash. Repair It is important for the homeowner to decide whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features in an older home can add the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Keeping them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash. Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become sloppy or even draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals since they require extensive removal. With the right tools and skills it's possible to repair an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics: Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and secured by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight. After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the balancing. Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.