Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years can have various issues such as rattles and draughts. They may also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. A little attention can often bring them back to their original performance.

First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a container with an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows in sash is a great method to minimize these issues and increase energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in the sash window, such as sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is an issue that is frequent. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is prone to tear and may alter the look of your window.

It is important to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing a new sash window repair runners. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older structures, the gap between frames and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. The strip should be cut square and placed in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass may be rusty. Also, make sure you use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

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

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good, if not superior to its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.

If a new sash is required the frame can be constructed using similar designs to the frame that was previously used and Sash Windows Repair keep the style of your home's historic design. This is especially crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows need planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit into the slots of the window frame.

It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace a damaged window, as each choice will require a different degree and amount of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it would be an alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot or rotting, then a repair could be more appropriate.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good order, deterioration can eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues typically suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other options to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. These include the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is important to determine the extent of a issue, since it might not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash itself and is typically a solution without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be remedied by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows feature a complicated design that has many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues such as broken panes, or sash cables that have snapped. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to take on themselves. For these reasons, many choose to work with an expert.

A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows back to their original glory or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from shaking.

To begin a repair start by removing the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Store the equipment in a secure location. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is an important one for homeowners. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features in an older home can provide character and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can help lower the cost of energy. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional because they require extensive removal. But, with the right tools and experience, it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart begins by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides, and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and supported by cords. To stop the sash falling into the void make a hole in it using nails and remove the weight.

When the sashes are untied Clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords and strip any paint off the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.