Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with various issues that include rattles and draughts. They may also be inefficiently insulated. A little bit of care can often restore them to a high standard of performance.

First, scrape off the seal on the paint of the window stop with the knife of a utility. Then remove the staff bead and remove the upper sash and remove the cords or chains and storing equipment in a bag labeled.

Sealing

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

The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, special 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 sill and the sash. This can cause the leaking of moisture, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze could be required if a gap prevents windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the sash's lower edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects them and from the bottom of 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 the gap between sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed to a square shape and then positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws, since brass can rust and the best quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a variety of problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can add to the inconvenience. When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself, but it will 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 box using traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is re-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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce rattle and increase insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the character of your house. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.

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

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For example, if a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill is beginning to rot, then a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually result in problems like draughts, rattles, timber or even broken glass. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other options to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of a issue, since it might not be feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs within the sash itself and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows feature a complicated design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners would want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners opt to engage a professional for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat loss through the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Lastly remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

It is crucial for the homeowner to decide whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features of an older home can provide character and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The sliding mechanism may become sloppy or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window sash to a professional, as they require extensive dismantling. With the right tools and experience it is possible to repair old sash repairing double glazed windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and supported by a cord. To prevent the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint from the sash stops using a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.