Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. A little attention can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

First, cut off the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. Store the hardware in a container with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require care. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between sash frame are the main source of drafts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Different methods can be employed to reduce air leaks in the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is an issue that is frequent. This can cause moisture leaking in, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges in order to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners, it is important to measure the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and a better performance of the window.

In older buildings the gap between the sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is crucial to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.

A strip should be cut to the width of the sash, and with an extra inch for movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can get rusty. Also, use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, damaged weights or rotten frames can cause issues. When these problems occur it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash itself, however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to the same or better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is the re-glazing process 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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce rattling and improve insulation.

If a replacement sash required It can be made using the same style to match your old frame. This will maintain the heritage style of your property. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in before installing it, make sure you check the metal tabs against those on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit inside the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each option will require a different degree and amount of expertise. For example the case of a sash windows that has a large chunk of glass missing then replacement is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. There are other options to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is important to determine the severity of the issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window glass repair near me. For example, a foggy glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and is typically a solution without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are a complicated design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to fix common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners would want to tackle on their own. For Sash Windows Repair these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a professional.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to put in an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a safe position. Use a heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits, the original features of an older home give character and value to the property and are generally less expensive to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also reduce energy costs. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the frame of the window, so it's best left to professionals. However, with the right tools and experience, it is possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (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 inside a cavity and secured by cords. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, hit it with nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are aligned properly with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and then re-attach the sash pulley axles.