Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to a high level of performance.

First, take off the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a container with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance and are susceptible to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Various methods can be used to stop air leaks from a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary double glazing.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can cause moisture leaking in the wood, rotting, and mould growth. The gap can be filled by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.

In older buildings the gap between the sash and frame is usually greater around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. The strip should be cut to a square shape and then positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may rust. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant, historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a variety of problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Rotting frames and meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, defective frames, or rotten weights are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by decay. It also involves 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). In addition, it is recommended to fit brush pile weather strips to reduce rattling and improve insulation.

If you require a new sash it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows require planning permission.

Before you put the new window on, it's best to examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the slots of the window frame.

If a window has been damaged, it is crucial to decide between replacement or repair, because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and expense. For instance, if a sash window Doctor has a large chunk of glass missing, a replacement will be the best choice. However, if the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash upvc window repairs in good condition, however deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why it's often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, including installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

It's important to consider the extent of a issue, since it might not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. A glass that is foggy, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be remedied by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and feature many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cables. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that the majority of homeowners would like to take on themselves. Because of this, many opt to hire a specialist.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from rattling.

To start a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, remove the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Then take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight. Store the hardware in a safe location. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and put back the upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace a sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features of an older home can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The sliding mechanism may become sloppy or become draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the window frame and should be left to professionals. With the right tools and experience it's possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides and knot them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a hidden cavity and secured by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops after 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 first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.