Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have many issues, including draughts and rattles. They could also be inefficiently insulated. With a little attention, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

First, knock off the seal of paint from the window stop with the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. Store the hardware in a bag that has a label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues such as wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause rattles and reduce sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within windows with sash, including sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering the windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the sash's lower edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to take full measurements of the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash and the frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass will rust. Also, use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a variety of problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash, however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window as good if not superior to its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing double glazed windows any damage caused by the rot. It also involves 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the rattling.

If a replacement sash is needed It can be made with the same design to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the heritage style of your home. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications to windows need planning permission.

Before putting the new window in before installing it, make sure you examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.

It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair windows that are damaged, Sash Windows Repair as each will require a different degree and amount of expertise. For example when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing then a replacement will be the best choice. However in the event that the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has begun damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these issues. There are other ways to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It's important to consider the extent of a issue, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash itself and can usually be solved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common issues such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. The solution to these issues typically involves removal of the window frame which isn't a job most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. Because of this, many opt to hire an expert.

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 frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat loss through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and install the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide numerous benefits but the original features of a home that was built earlier add character and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window sash to a professional because it requires extensive dismantling. However, with the right tools and know-how it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the window come apart begins by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity, and supported by cords. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords and remove any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.

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