Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years may have a variety of problems, including draughts and rattles. They may also be poorly insulated. With a little attention, they can be restored to a high level of performance.

First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a container with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues like wet rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary double glazing Sutton Coldfield can be used to limit the air leakage within 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 the sash and the sill. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane or Repairmywindowsanddoors foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

It is essential to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the replacement sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet 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, there is a wider gap between the sash and the frame at the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned to match the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws, since brass can rust and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a range of issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, damaged weights or rotten frames can cause issues. If these issues occur, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash, but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window the same or better than its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the noise of rattling.

If a replacement sash is required, it can be made with the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the heritage style of your property. 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 before installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit in the slots of the window frame.

It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace the damaged window, since each option will require a different level and amount of knowledge. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best choice. However when the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill is damaged, a repair would be the better option.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are other 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. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be corrected by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows feature a complicated design that has many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Many homeowners do not want to disassemble the window frame to fix the issues. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. You can also add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and remove them. Place the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for homeowners to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features of an older house can add the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased energy bills and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become dislodged or repairmywindowsanddoors even draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the frame of the window, so it's best left to the professionals. With the right tools and skills, it is possible for you to repair old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the window come apart starts 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 sash at the bottom. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's now time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a large iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void pierce it with nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as the rails that meet. Remove the double glazing repairs Marlow bars and the cords for the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and then reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.