Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

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

First, remove the paint seal from the window stop with an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. Keep the hardware in a bag that has a label.

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older structures, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary source of draughts. They can also lead to noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Different methods can be employed to reduce air leaks in the sash window, such as sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing.

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 into the wood, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze might be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening smoothly. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.

In older buildings, the gap between frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the 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 is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. They are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Rotting frames and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems. If you encounter any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash but it will restore your sash's look and functionality to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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 the rattling and increase insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made using similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in, it's best to compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the upvc window repairs frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each choice will require a different degree and level of knowledge. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it is an alternative. However, if the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill is rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues often lead to a replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other methods to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. These include the installation of secondary double glazing repair and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the extent of a issue, since it might not be practical to replace an entire 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 typically possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems like broken panes or snapped sash cable. The solution to these issues typically involves taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle on their own. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat loss out of the window. It can also be helpful to add an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a secure position. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and install the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a major one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages but the original features of an older house give character and value to the home and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help lower energy costs. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could become dislodged or draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the frame of the window and is best left to the professionals. With the right tools and skills it's possible for you to repair the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the weights attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity, and held by a cord. To stop the sash falling into the void pierce it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars as well as the sash cords. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.