Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years can have a variety of problems, including draughts and rattles. They could also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. With a little effort they can be restored to a high level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues such as wet rot, cracked putty and drafts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing, repairing or sealing them.

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

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it is prone to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

It is crucial to determine the size of the window opening before installing replacement sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a proper fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip must be cut to the height of the sash, with an additional inch on each side for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and placed to match the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to problems. Common issues include rattling draughts or sticking. Frames that are rotting and rails that connect them, as well as broken glazing bars, defective frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems. When these problems occur it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash itself but it can restore the look and function of your sash window to the same or better than its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is re-glazing 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 prevent the rattling.

If a replacement sash required it can be constructed with the same design to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the traditional style of your house. This is particularly important for listed properties where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in place, it's best to examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair a damaged window, as each will require a different level and level of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it is an alternative. However in the event that the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good condition, however it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. But there are ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of a problem, as it may not be feasible to replace the entire window. For example, a foggy glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are surprisingly complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves removal of the window frame which isn't a job most homeowners would want to take on themselves. For these reasons, many opt to hire an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat from the window. It is also possible to add a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and Windows Repair reduce drafts.

To begin a repair take out the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure place. The heat gun will soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and install the upper sash.

repair timber windows

The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a major one for homeowners. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features in an older home can provide the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Keeping them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This could result in 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 may become displaced from its track or become draughty. It is best to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals because it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and skills it's possible to repair an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the window come apart starts by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free, clean out the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops once the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.