Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with a variety of problems that include rattles and draughts. They might also be poorly constructed to be insulated. A little attention can often restore them to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require maintenance and can be subject to problems like cracked putty, wet rot and drafts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage within the Sash.

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

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges in order to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it tends to rip 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 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 to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to account for this when measuring and wake-upcenter.com cutting the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned to match the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass may rust. Also, make sure you use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are typical issues. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars or faulty weights can cause a lot of trouble. When these issues arise, it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash but can restore the appearance and function to the same standard in its original condition. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. It also involves re-painting the frame of timber 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 is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize rattling.

If a new sash is required it can be constructed using the same design to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the heritage style of your property. This is especially important for listed properties where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in place before installing it, make sure you check the metal tabs against those on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair a damaged window, as each option will require a different degree and cost of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be a better alternative. But when the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has been damaged, a repair would 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 suggest replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other options to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It is crucial to assess the extent of a issue, as it may not be feasible to replace a complete window. For example, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can be fixed by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to take on themselves. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.

A specialist can help restore windows with sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. It can also be helpful to put in an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it off with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing a sash window is a major one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages, the original features of a home that was built earlier add authenticity and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the frame of the window and should be left to the professionals. However, with the right tools and know-how, it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window repair apart starts with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, double glazing repairs and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity and is held by a cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars as well as the sash cords. Then, using a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-attach the sash pulley axles.