Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with many issues such as rattles and draughts. They may also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. A little bit of care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

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

Sealing

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

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing.

A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze could be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from opening and shutting easily. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges in order to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option, but it has a tendency to tear, and can make a difference to the appearance of windows.

It is essential to determine the size of the window opening before installing new sash runners. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash and the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into account 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 square and positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass will get rusty. Also, use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. When these issues arise, it's time to consider repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself but it can improve the appearance and functionality 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 repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves painting the frame of timber 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 minimize the rattling.

If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed using 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 properties where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

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

It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair the damaged window, since each will require a different level and cost of knowledge. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it would be a better alternative. But when the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually result in problems like rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues typically lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or appropriate to replace a window repairs. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to remedy some common problems, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want take apart the window frame to fix these problems. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from shaking.

To begin the repair, Sash Windows Repair take off the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull out the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally take the sashweights out of the bottom weight cavity. Keep the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away using a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

It is crucial for homeowners to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older house add character and value to the property and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also reduce energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts and condensation. These issues can lead to higher energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and Sash Windows Repair close, and the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional since it requires extensive dismantling. However, with the right tools and knowledge it is possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Remove any security fittings that are behind the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and then loosen any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, that is a massive lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To stop the sash falling into the void pierce it with nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and the cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.

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