Sash Windows Repair and Replacement Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation A little bit of care can often bring them back to a top level of performance First, scrape off the paint seal from the window stop with the knife of a utility Then, take off the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash by removing chains or cords and storing the hardware in a bag marked Sealing Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, but they require care They are susceptible to issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them The gaps between the sash and frame are the main source of draughts They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle Sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage in the sash A common problem is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or the bottom of the sill and the sash This can result in moisture leaking in the wood, rotting and growth of mould Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze might be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening easily These bronze strips are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling They can be purchased at DIY stores https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/window-repairs/ weatherstripping also can be used, but it is prone to tear and can detract the appearance of your window When replacing sash runners, it is important to take full measurements of the window opening It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the meeting rail and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window In older structures there is a greater gap between the sash and frame around the leading edge It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material The strip should be cut to the height of the sash with an inch more on each side to allow for movement It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to match the angle of the sill Use stainless steel screws since brass can get rusty Also, make sure you use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue Refurbishment The Sash window is a beautiful and historic feature of many homes But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a variety of problems The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts Rotting frames and rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but it will restore your sash's look and function to the same level in its original condition Refurbishment involves the lining of both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by the rot It also involves re-painting the frame of timber 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 Finally, it's recommended to put in brush pile weather strips in order to minimize the rattling and increase insulation If a replacement sash needed It can be made using the same design to match the frame you have This will maintain the style and character of your home This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission Compare the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash prior to installing it see below If they're different sizes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair the damaged window, since each will require a different degree and amount of knowledge If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be a better option If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot, then a repair would be more appropriate Replacement While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass This is why it's often the only solution to these problems However, there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, such as installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing Consider the extent of the problem It might not be necessary or appropriate to replace a window Foggy glass, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame It is usually possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have many moving parts It can be a challenge to fix common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cables The majority of homeowners don't want disassemble the window frame to repair these issues Many homeowners decide to hire a specialist for these reasons A specialist can help restore windows with sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to modern energy standards This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat loss out of the window It is also possible to put in a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts To begin a repair project, remove the window stops the moldings that are in front of the lower sash Then, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash Remove the cords or chains on both sides Finally take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight Keep the hardware in a safe place Heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty Scrape it off with the blade of a putty Reassemble the window Reattach the hardware Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash Repair The decision to repair or replace a sash window is an important one for the homeowner While modern replacements provide a host of benefits but the original features of an older house add authenticity and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash Sash windows can be difficult to open and close The sliding mechanism may become dislodged or become draughty Repairing a sash windows requires extensive dismantling of the window frame and should be left to a professional However, with the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself Adam shows Jess how to begin Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash Then, take off the staff bead Then, remove the sash at the bottom Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights It's time to remove the upper sash Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and held by rope To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight Once the sashes are free Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and scrape off any paint off the sash stops using a utility knife Reattach the stops once the sashes are reinstalled Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly If necessary, reattach any parting beads Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys