Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years may have many issues, including draughts and rattles. They could also be poorly insulated. A little attention can often restore them to a top level of performance.

First, remove the seal of paint from the window stop using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a container with an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, but they require care. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. repair timber windows, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.

The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to stop air leaks from a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist 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 cause water leaking into the wood, rotting of the wood, and mould growth. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze may be required if a gap prevents the windows from closing and opening smoothly. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the sash's lower edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option, but it is prone to rip, and it can detract from the appearance of a window.

It is essential to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing the an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a good fitting and better operation of the window.

In older structures the gap between the sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass can rust. Also, make sure to use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. Rattling, Sash Windows Repair draughts, sticking or leaks are all common problems. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glass bars or faulty weights can cause a lot of trouble. If you encounter any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but it will bring back the appearance and function to the same standard as its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. 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). It's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent the noise of rattling.

If a new sash is needed It can be made using the same design to match your existing frame. This will maintain the heritage style of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes the new sash may not fit into the slots of the window frame.

It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each will require a different degree and cost of expertise. For example when a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draught proofing 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. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common issues like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners want to tackle themselves. Many homeowners choose to work with a professional due to these reasons.

A professional can help restore sash windows back to their original glory or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping out of 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 on the front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Place the hardware in a safe place. Use a heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and put back the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits but the original features of an older home add character and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts and condensation. These problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals, as they require extensive removal. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart begins with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity, and held by an elastic cord. To stop the sash falling into the void hit it with 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 remove any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid cutting the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-install the sash pulley axles.