Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have many issues such as rattles and draughts. They may also be poorly insulation. A little care can often restore them to a top level of performance.

First, scrape off the seal on the paint of the window stop with the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a container with an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings, however they require maintenance and could be susceptible to issues like wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing, repairing upvc windows or sealing them.

The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Various methods can be used to stop air leaks from a sash window, including sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing.

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

If a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to stop sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail 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 and frame at the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.

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

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaking are common issues. The rotting of frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. If these issues occur, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but can restore your sash's look and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any rot-related damage. It also involves re-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 lessen rattling and improve insulation.

If a replacement sash is needed It can be made using the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the heritage style of your home. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications to windows require planning permission.

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

It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each option will require a different degree and amount of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be a better alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, however the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows rather 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 example, a foggy glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners decide to engage a professional for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or update them to meet modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installation fitting secondary glazing to stop heat escaping out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from shaking.

To begin a repair take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Place the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away using a knife for putty. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and put back the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for homeowners to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer many advantages, the original features of a home that was built earlier provide authenticity and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could be slack or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window sash to a professional since it requires a lot of removal. With the right tools and skills it's possible to fix an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the window come apart begins by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Take out the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a hidden cavity and held by rope. To stop the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint from the sash stops with an utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the balancing.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first on its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.