Sash Windows Repair and Sash Windows Repair Replacement

Older sash windows be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little care can often restore them to a top level of performance.

First, remove the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a container with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and could be susceptible to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage inside the sash.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can lead to water leaking into the wood and rotting of the wood and growth of mould. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze may be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from opening and shutting easily. 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 vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option however it can rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.

When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure the best fit and function of the window.

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

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

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning historical feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Rotting frames and rails that connect them, as well as broken glazing bars, defective weights or rotten frames can cause issues. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good if not better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves the lining of both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as the re-glazing process using 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 the rattling.

If you require a new sash it can be constructed from similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve the character of your house. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any changes to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in place, it's best to check the metal tabs against those on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit in the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and price. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it is a better alternative. But when the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It is important to determine the severity of the issue, as it may not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs within the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. It is usually possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to remedy some common problems, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. For these reasons, many choose to work with an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat loss out of the window. It can also be helpful to add a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and remove the lower window 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. Use a heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window repair, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

It is crucial for homeowners to decide whether to replace or repair their sash windows. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older house add personality and value to the property and are generally less expensive to fix than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can also reduce energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to drafts and rattles. This can lead to higher energy bills and even 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. It is best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist, as it requires a lot of removal. With the right tools and skills it is possible to repair an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by a rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using a utility knife. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid puncturing the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash place the top sash onto its track first, and then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.