Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. A little care can often restore them to a high standard of performance.

First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop with an utility knife. Then remove the staff bead and take the upper sash out, taking off chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they require maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracked putty, wet rot and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also cause rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary double glazing window repairs can all be used to reduce the air leakage in the shutter.

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 leaking in and rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be closed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze might be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to measure the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a proper fitting and better operation of the window.

In older structures, the gap between sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is crucial to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the height of the sash, and with an additional inch each side to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass will rust. Also, make sure to use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a variety of problems. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaks are all common problems. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and Sash Windows Repair functionality to the same level in its original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any rot damage. It also involves painting the timber frame 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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattle and increase insulation.

If a replacement sash needed It can be made using the same style to match your old frame. This will preserve the heritage style of your home. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in It is recommended to examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit properly into the slots of the window frame.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each choice will require a different degree and cost of knowledge. For example when a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best choice. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is beginning to rot or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can cause issues such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues typically lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

It is important to determine the severity of the issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be corrected by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want take apart the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.

A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows back to their original glory or even bring them up to current energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping out of the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from shaking.

To begin the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead and remove 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 hardware in a secure position. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing a sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits however, the original features of a home that was built earlier add character and value to the property and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could become sloppy or become draughty. It's best to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals since they require extensive removal. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the window come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides and knot them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void hit it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint from the sash stops with an utility knife. After the sashes have been put back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent puncturing the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.