Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years old can be afflicted with many issues that include rattles and draughts. They could also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. A little care can often restore them to a high standard of performance.

First, take off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. The hardware should be stored in a bag with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve energy efficiency.

The gaps between the sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may all be used to reduce the air leakage in a shutter.

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

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option but it is prone to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of windows.

When installing replacement 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 up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners, which will ensure the best fit and function of the window.

In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame at the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by using a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is crucial to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

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

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as along with broken glazing bars, faulty frames, or rotten weights are all causes of problems. When these issues arise, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good if not better than the original condition. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty, and then repairing any rot damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as re-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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce the rattling and Sash Windows Repair increase insulation.

If a new sash is required the frame can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve the character of your house. This is especially crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window on, it's best to compare its metal tabs to those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit into the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, because each type of work will require a different level of expertise and price. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best choice. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot, then a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass window repair. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

Think about the scope of the issue. It may not be necessary or suitable to replace the window. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs within the sash and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected by a few easy fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to remedy some common problems such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want disassemble the window frame to fix the issues. This is why many choose to work with a professional.

A specialist can help restore windows with sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through 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 the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it away using a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace windows with sash is a crucial one for homeowners. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features in an older home can add the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals, as it requires a lot of dismantling. With the right tools and skills, it is possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out 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 weights attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the balancing.

To reassemble the sash put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reattach the beads that separate if required. Finally, Sash Windows Repair reattach the sash chain or cords and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.