Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

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

First, scrape off the seal of paint from the window stop using an utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead and pull out the upper sash by removing chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues like wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows sash is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash frame are the main source of drafts. They can also lead to noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. There are a variety of methods to reduce air leaks in windows with sash, including 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 can cause water leaking into the wood, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it is prone to rip, and it can detract from the appearance of a window.

When installing replacement runners for sash, it is important to measure the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a proper fit and a better performance of the window.

In older structures the gap between the frames and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the length of the sash. There should be an additional inch on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed square and positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass can be rusty. Also, make sure to use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. These windows are gorgeous, but they can be prone to problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights are all causes of problems. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is 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 meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing 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). It's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the noise of rattling.

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 important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows need planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

If a window is damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement, since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and expense. For example when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing, replacement is the best choice. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill has begun to decay and needs to be repaired, sash windows repair then a repair will be better.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the extent of a issue, since it might not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. A foggy glass problem, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be corrected by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are surprisingly complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to remedy some common problems such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. Many homeowners decide to hire a specialist for these reasons.

A specialist can help restore windows made of sash back to their original glory or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat from the window. It is also possible to install an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Then take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace a sash window is a major one for homeowners. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features in an older house can add authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Inspecting them regularly can reduce the energy cost. Sash windows can be prone to drafts and rattles. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism that slides can become dislodged or become draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since they require extensive removal. With the right tools and skills it's possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides and knot them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's time to take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and supported by a cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been removed Clean the jamb and rails that meet, Sash Windows Repair remove the glazing bars and sash cords 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 not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash window repair pulleys.