Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may suffer from a range of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. A little care can often restore them to a top level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues like wet rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective method to minimize these issues and increase energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary source of draughts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage within a sash.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be necessary if a gap prevents windows from closing and opening easily. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is prone to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners It is crucial to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older structures the gap between sash and frame is usually greater around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip must be cut to the height of the sash. There should be an extra inch on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass may get rusty. Also, use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful historic feature in many homes. They are beautiful but they can also be prone to problems. Rattling, draughts, sticking or Sash Windows Repair leaks are all common problems. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but it will restore your sash's look and functionality to the same level that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. It also involves re-painting the frame with timber and reglazing 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent the noise of rattling.

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 listed properties where any changes to windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window on It is recommended to check the metal tabs against those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the window frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each choice will require a different degree and cost of knowledge. If a large portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it is the better alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Think about the scope of the issue. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace the window. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame in order to fix the issues. This is why many choose to work with a professional.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, remove the window repairs stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair windows with sash is an important one for the homeowner. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features in an older home can provide character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good condition can reduce energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The sliding mechanism may be slack or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals, as it requires a lot of removal. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and supported by an elastic cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint off the sash stops with a utility knife. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.