Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. A little care can often bring them back to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require maintenance and could be susceptible to issues like cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage in a Sash.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is an issue that is common. This can result in the leaking of moisture the wood, rotting, and mould growth. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be required in the event that a gap blocks windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it is prone to tear, and can make a difference to the appearance of a window.

When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to take full measurements of the Window Doctor opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it, and from the bottom of the sash 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 buildings the gap between the sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.

A strip should be cut to the length of the sash. There should be an additional inch each side to allow to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can 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. These windows are gorgeous however they are susceptible to issues. Draughts, rattling or leaking are common issues. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. If these issues occur, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to the same or superior to its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and repairing any damage caused by rot. It also includes re-painting the frame of timber 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). Finally, it's recommended to put in brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.

If a new sash is required it can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit inside the window frame slots.

It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair a damaged window, as each will require a different level and cost of expertise. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be the better option. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.

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 is also a possibility to occur. This is why it's often the only solution to these problems. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, such as installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

It is important to determine the severity of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without ripping out the whole frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. Many homeowners do not want to take apart the window frame to fix these problems. Because of this, many opt to hire a professional.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping from the window. It can also be helpful to put in a brush pile strip to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin the repair, remove the window doctor near me stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty by using a hot gun. Then scrape it off with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a major one for homeowners. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older home can add the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair rather than replace. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can result in increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the window frame, so it's best left to professionals. But, with the right tools and know-how it is possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and then loosen any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and anchored by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. After the sashes have been put back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any parting beads. Reattach the sash cords or chains and then install the sash pulleys.