Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with many issues, including draughts and rattles. They could also be poorly insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to their original performance.

First, cut off the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag that has the label.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Different methods can be employed to reduce air leaks in windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialty 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 lead to moisture leaking into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing the windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges in order to stop sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it is prone to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of a window.

It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is recommended 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 to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.

In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip must be cut to the width of the sash, and with an additional inch each side to allow to allow for movement. It should be trimmed to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, because brass is prone to rust, and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, draughts or sticking. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glass window repair bars or faulty weights can cause a lot of trouble. When these problems occur it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash itself however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window to as good, if not better than its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, Sash Windows Repair as is 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 strips to lessen the rattling and increase insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve your property's heritage style. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit properly into the window frame slots.

When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and cost. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be the better option. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay, then a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

Consider the extent of the issue. It may not be necessary or suitable to replace windows. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can be fixed by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners choose to engage a professional for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or update them to meet modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. It is also possible to install a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Take the chains and Sash Windows Repair cords from both sides. Then take the sashweights out of the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away using a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a major one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits however, the original features of a home that was built earlier provide authenticity and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help lower the energy cost. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close as the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track, or even draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since they require extensive removal. With the right tools and experience, it is possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Making the window come apart begins by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity, and secured by a cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void, you must pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars as well as the sash cords. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.