Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

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

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

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require care. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage inside a Sash.

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

If a gap is hindering the windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These are strips of bronze 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 an alternative option, but it has a tendency to tear, and can detract from the appearance of windows.

It is essential to measure the entire window opening prior to installing a replacement sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners, which will ensure the best fit and function 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 self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

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

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful and historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are susceptible to issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Frames that are rotting and rails that connect them, as and broken double glazing repair bars, faulty weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, but can restore your sash's look and function to the same standard in its original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by decay. It also involves 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). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strips to lessen rattling and improve insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

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

It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each will require a different level and cost of knowledge. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be the better option. But in the event that the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. This is why it's often the only solution to these issues. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, such as installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or even appropriate to replace a window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be corrected with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows feature a complicated design that has many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. The majority of homeowners don't want remove the window frame to fix these problems. Because of this, many choose to work with an expert.

A specialist can assist in restoring windows with sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary double glazing, which will stop heat through the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from rattling.

To begin a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Lastly, remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it away using a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair a sash window is an important one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of a home that was built earlier give personality and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased energy bills and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or become draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window, so it's best left to the professionals. But, with the right tools and experience, it is possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, remove the sash at the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and held by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and remove any paint from the sash stops with the help of a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the balancing.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash cords or chains and then install the sash pulleys.