Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows suffer from a range of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. With a little effort, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

First, remove the seal of paint using an utility knife. Then remove the staff bead and remove the upper sash, taking off chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they do need maintenance and are susceptible to problems like cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to minimize these issues and improve energy efficiency.

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

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

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing the windows from opening and shutting easily. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners It is crucial to measure the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.

In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. It is also essential to make use of stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. But despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a range of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as and broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames can cause issues. When these problems occur it's time for upvc Repairs near Me or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash however, it can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by decay. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is 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 reduce the noise of rattling.

If the need for a new sash arises the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window on before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.

If a window has been damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and price. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be an alternative. But when the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill is decaying, a repair may 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 draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues usually suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, such as installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

It is important to determine the severity of the issue, since it might not be feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a foggy glass issue usually occurs within the sash and is usually able to be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows have a complex design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want disassemble the window frame to fix these problems. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.

A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat loss from the window doctor. You can also add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from rattling.

To begin a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and remove them. Place the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair the sash window is an important one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages however, the original features of an older home provide authenticity and value to the home and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also reduce energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can lead to more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals, as it requires extensive dismantling. But, with the right tools and experience it's possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Getting the window to come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops, a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any painted-covered hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and held by a rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint off the sash stops with an utility knife. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent damaging the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and reattach the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.