Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years old can be afflicted with a variety of problems such as rattles and draughts. They could also be poorly insulated. A little care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require regular maintenance and could be susceptible to problems like cracked putty, wet rot, and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage in the Sash.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sash and the sill. This can lead to moisture leaking in the wood, rotting, and mould growth. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be required when a gap is preventing windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to take measurements 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 that will ensure the best fit and function 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 using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to account for 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. The strip should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may get rusty. Also, make sure you use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are susceptible to issues. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. Also, rotting frames, connecting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could cause a lot of trouble. When these problems occur it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard as its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by 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 reduce the noise of rattling.

If a replacement sash is needed it can be constructed using the same design to match your existing frame. This will maintain the style and character of your property. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.

When a window is damaged it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement because each type of work will require a different degree of expertise and cost. If a large part of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be a better alternative. 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

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, however the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass can also occur. These issues often suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. But there are ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Take note of the severity of the issue. It might not be necessary or even suitable to replace a window. A foggy glass problem for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job most homeowners want to take on themselves. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.

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, which will stop heat loss from the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To begin a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Remove the chains or cords on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Use a heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and install the upper sash.

upvc repair

The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits however, the original features of a home that was built earlier add character and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become dislodged or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the window frame and is best left to professionals. With the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Making the window come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Then, pull out the cords or chains on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and held by cords. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint off the sash stops with an utility knife. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid puncturing the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.