Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little care can often restore them to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, however they require maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows in sash is a great way to reduce these problems and improve the efficiency of energy.

The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of draughts. They can also lead to noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage inside a Sash.

A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sash and the sill. This can cause the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood and growth of mould. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze may be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and windows repair opening easily. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.

It is crucial to determine the size of the window opening before installing replacement sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners, which will ensure the best fit and function of the window.

In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash as well as the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip must be cut to the height of the sash, and with an additional inch for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass will rust. Also, make sure you use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Common problems include rattling, draughts or sticking. Rotting frames and meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems. If you encounter any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is a more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, however, it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window to as good if not better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty and fixing 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.

If a replacement sash is required it can be constructed using the same style to match your old frame. This will maintain the heritage style of your property. This is particularly important for listed properties where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different sizes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair a damaged window, as each choice will require a different level and amount of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be an alternative. However when the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill is rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. However, there are ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, such as installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of the problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be corrected by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and have many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cables. Many homeowners do not want to disassemble the window frame in order to repair these issues. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat loss out of the window. It is also possible to add an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and put back the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing a sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features in an older house can add authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the double glazed window repairs frame and is best left to professionals. With the right tools and skills it is possible to repair an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and held by a cord. To prevent the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using 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 for the sash. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.