Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

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

First, remove the seal with a utility knife. Then remove the staff bead and pull out the upper sash, taking off chains or cords, and then storing the equipment in a bag labeled.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings, however they require regular maintenance and can be subject to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot, and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary source of draughts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.

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

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze could be necessary when a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening effortlessly. 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 from DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.

When replacing sash runners, it is important to take full measurements of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.

In older buildings the gap between the frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the width of the sash, with an extra inch each side to allow to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, because brass is prone to rust, and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful historic feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are prone to problems. Common problems include rattling, stickiness or draughts. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is a more expensive option than simply replacing the sash, but it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window as good, if not superior to its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. It also includes re-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). Finally, it's recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce rattling and improve insulation.

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

Before you put the new window on It is recommended to examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the window frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each choice will require a different level and amount of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it would be an option. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting 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 deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of a problem, as it may not be feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a fogging glass issue is usually a problem within the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems like broken panes or snapped sash cables. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window repairs frame which isn't a job most homeowners would want to take on themselves. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.

A specialist can assist in restoring windows with sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat through the window. It can also be helpful to add a brush pile strip to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and remove them. Place the hardware in a safe location. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reattach 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

It is important for homeowners to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. While modern replacements provide many advantages, the original features of an older home give personality and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and glazing condensation. These problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or become draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and should be left to professionals. But, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Making the window come apart begins by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, that is a massive lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and held by rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and remove any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. After the sashes have been put returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.