Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years can have various issues that include rattles and draughts. They may also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. With a little care they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require maintenance and can be subject to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and increase energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash frame are the main source of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit the air leakage inside a sash.

A common problem is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sash and the sill. This can lead to moisture leaking in and rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be filled by caulking made of silicone or Sash Windows Repair polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening smoothly. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the sash's lower edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option, but it is prone to tear, and can make a difference to the appearance of windows.

It is important to measure the entire window opening before installing new sash runners. It is best to take measurements 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 that will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older structures the gap between the frames and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.

A strip must be cut to the length of the sash. There should be an additional inch each side to allow for movement. The strip should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can be rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality silicone or sash Windows Repair polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful historical feature in many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotted frames and the rails that connect them, as and broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is a more expensive option than simply replacing the sash, but it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window to as good, if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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). Finally, it's recommended to put in brush pile weather strips to lessen the rattling and increase insulation.

If a new sash is needed it can be constructed with the same design to match the frame you have. This will preserve the style and character of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the 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 are different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the window frame slots.

When a window is damaged it is essential to decide between repair or replacement because each type of work will require a different degree of expertise and price. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be the better alternative. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but the deterioration of the window repair will eventually cause issues such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why it's often the only option to solve these issues. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is important to determine the severity of a issue, since it might not be feasible to replace the entire window. A glass that is foggy for instance, is usually caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can be fixed with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are surprisingly complicated in their design and come with many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cables. Many homeowners do not want to disassemble the window frame in order to fix the issues. This is why many opt to hire a professional.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping out of the upvc window repairs. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from squealing.

To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a secure position. The heat gun will soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits, the original features of a home that was built earlier give character and value to the property and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Maintaining 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 energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close as the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional because it requires extensive removal. However, with the right tools and experience, it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Getting the window to come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, remove the sash at the bottom. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the weights attached. It's now 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, remove any hardware that has been painted. 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 secured by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint from the sash stop. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.