Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little care they can be repaired to a high level of performance.

First, cut off the paint seal using an utility knife. Then, remove the staff bead, then remove the upper sash, taking off cords or chains and storing hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require regular maintenance and could be susceptible to issues like cracks in putty, Sash Windows Repair wet rot and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve the efficiency of energy.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage in the shutter.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or 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 gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening smoothly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is prone to tear and may alter the look of your window.

When replacing sash runners, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures there is a greater gap between the sash as well as the frame on 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 consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

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

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be susceptible to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. Rotting frames and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems. If you encounter any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly 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 re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty, and then repairing any rot damage. It also involves re-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 prevent the rattling.

If a new sash is required it can be constructed using similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

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

If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and cost. For example, if a sash window has a large piece of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues typically suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. However, there are ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary double glazing window repairs.

It is crucial to assess the severity of the issue, since it might not be feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to tackle on their own. This is why many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

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

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then take the sashweights out of the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a safe position. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away using the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace a sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older home provide personality and value to the property and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help lower the energy cost. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts and condensation. These issues can lead to higher costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may be slack or become draughty. It's best to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals because it requires extensive removal. But, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Getting the window to come apart starts by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, take out the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the weights attached. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, Sash Windows Repair which is tucked away inside a cavity and held by a cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then, using a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent puncturing the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any parting beads. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.