Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little care can often bring them back 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. Store the hardware in a bag that has a label.

Sealing

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

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.

A common problem 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, rotting of the wood and growth of mould. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it has a tendency to tear, and can detract from the appearance of windows.

It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing the an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to measure 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 transferred to new runners that will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older buildings, the gap between frames and sash is typically larger around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into account when measuring and Sash Windows Repair cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash and with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. The strip should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws since brass can rust and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a variety of problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are common issues. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. When these issues arise, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good if not better than its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty, Sash Windows Repair and then repairing any rot-related damage. 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). In addition, it is recommended to fit brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.

If you require a new sash it can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications 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 are different shapes the new sash may not fit into the window frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace the damaged window, since each will require a different level and cost of knowledge. If a large part of the glass window repair in the sash is missing then replacing it will be a better alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small 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 window in good shape, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why it's often the only option to solve these issues. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It is important to determine the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to repair a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.

A professional can help restore windows made of sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat through the double glazed window repairs. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from squealing.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull the lower window sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Then, remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Place the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it off with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace a sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. Although modern replacements offer many advantages but the original features of an older home provide authenticity and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also lower the cost of energy. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals since it requires a lot of dismantling. However, with the right tools and experience it's possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart begins by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. 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. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and held by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, hit it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free Clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords and remove any paint off the sash stops with the help of a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.