sash window repair Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to a high standard of performance.

First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop using an utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead and remove the upper sash and remove the cords or chains and storing hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, however they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and increase energy efficiency.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage within a Sash.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is a common problem. This can cause moisture leaking in the wood, rotting, and mould growth. The gap can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the sash's lower edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners It is crucial to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best 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 down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.

In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame at the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and placed in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can add to the inconvenience. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it can restore the look and function of your sash window to the same or superior to its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is re-glazing 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 fit brush pile weather strips to lessen rattle and increase insulation.

If a new sash is needed, it can be made using the same style to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the heritage style of your property. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in, it's best to check the metal tabs against the tabs on the old sash (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and price. For example when a sash window has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best choice. However when the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues typically suggest replacement as the only logical solution. But there are ways to improve the 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 practical to replace an 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 poor seal can also be fixed by a few easy fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are quite complicated in their design and come with many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems like broken panes or snapped sash cables. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something that the majority of homeowners would like to take on themselves. This is why many homeowners choose to work with a professional.

Specialists can restore sash upvc window repair frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to put in an extra strip of brush pile to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and windows repair lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a major one for the homeowner. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older house can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can also lower the cost of energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become dislodged or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals because it requires extensive removal. However, with the right tools and know-how it is possible to repair old sash windows yourself. 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, then remove the bottom sash. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity, and secured by cords. To prevent the sash falling into the void, you must pierce it using a nail, and sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint off the sash stops with an utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Finally, reattach the sash chains or cords and re-attach the sash pulley axles.