Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little attention can often bring them back to their original performance.

First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop using the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. Keep the hardware in a container with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they require maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage inside a sash.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is frequent. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and growth of mold. The gap can be closed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be required if a gap prevents windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased at 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 installing replacement sash runners It is crucial 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 sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash as well as 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 consider this when cutting and measuring material.

A strip must be cut to the width of the sash, with an extra inch on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can be rusty. Also, use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful historic feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous however they are prone to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. And rotting frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If you encounter any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash, however, it can restore the appearance and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. 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 involves 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). In addition, it is recommended to fit brush pile weather strips to reduce rattle and increase insulation.

If a replacement sash needed it can be constructed with the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the traditional style of your home. This is particularly important for listed properties where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in place, it's best to compare its metal tabs to those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit into the slots of the window repair near frame.

If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different level of expertise and expense. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it is a better option. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot 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, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues often lead to a replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other ways to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and Sash Windows Repair draughtproofing.

Consider the extent of the problem. It might not be necessary or even suitable to replace the window. A foggy glass problem for instance, is usually caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common problems such as broken panes, or sash cables that have snapped. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle on their own. For these reasons, many choose to work with an expert.

A professional can help restore sash windows back to their original glory or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. You can also add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead and Sash Windows Repair pull out the lower sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Use a heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is a major one for homeowners. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features in an older home can add the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can lead to more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist, as it requires a lot of dismantling. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Making the window come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead and pull out 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 weights that are attached. It's time to take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and supported by cords. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been 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 from the sash stop. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent damaging the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.