Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little effort they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve the efficiency of energy.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary double glazing window repairs can all be used to minimize the air leakage inside a Sash.

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

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be required if a gap prevents the windows from closing and opening easily. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to take full measurements of 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 it and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a proper fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash and frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into account when cutting and measuring material.

A strip should be cut to the width of the sash, with an additional inch on each side for 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. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass can rust. Also, make sure you use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning, historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are prone to a range of issues. Common problems include rattling, draughts or sticking. Rotting frames and meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, defective frames, or rotten weights can all cause problems. 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 restore the look and function of your sash window as good if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as the re-glazing process 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). It's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize rattling.

If a replacement sash is required It can be made using the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the traditional style of your property. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to repair or Sash Windows Repair replace windows that are damaged, as each choice will require a different level and cost of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be an alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or necessary to replace a window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. The solution to these issues typically involves removal of the window frame which isn't something that most homeowners want to take on themselves. This is why many choose to work with a specialist.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or update them to meet modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. It is also possible to put in a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure position. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is crucial for homeowners to decide whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older house provide character and value to the property and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can reduce the energy cost. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the frame of the window, so it's best left to professionals. With the right tools and experience it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Getting the window to come apart starts by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and knot them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and held by a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, followed by the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and Sash Windows Repair the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and re-install the sash pulley axles.