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 may also be poorly insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older structures, but they require regular maintenance. They are susceptible to issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage inside a shutter.

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

If a gap in the window is preventing the windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is prone to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

It is important to measure the entire window repair opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners that will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However, it is important to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

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

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous, but they can be susceptible to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good, if not better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by decay. It also includes re-painting the frame with timber and reglazing 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 install brush pile weather strip to minimize rattling.

If a replacement sash needed It can be made using the same style to match the frame you have. This will preserve the style and character of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes to windows will require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and expense. If a large portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be a better alternative. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill has begun to decay and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these issues. There are other options to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. This includes the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It's important to consider the severity of the issue, since it might not be practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal using a couple of simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves removal of the window frame which isn't something most homeowners would want to take on themselves. For these reasons, many opt to hire a specialist.

A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows back to their original glory or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat loss out of the window. It may also be beneficial to install a brush pile strip to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Lastly, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the equipment in a secure place. Heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a putty blade. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features in an older house can add character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can lead to more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become sloppy or become draughty. It's best to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals because it requires a lot of removal. With the right tools and experience, it is possible for you to repair old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Making the window come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and held by a cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it using a nail, and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. When the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and then install the sash pulleys.