Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little attention they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they require maintenance and could be susceptible to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and increase energy efficiency.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage within the Sash.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This can result in the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or Sash Windows Repair foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it is prone to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of windows.

When installing replacement sash runners it is essential to measure the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a proper fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures there is a greater gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into account when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and placed to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may be rusty. Also, use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are susceptible to issues. Common problems include rattling, Sash Windows Repair stickiness or draughts. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems. If you are experiencing any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash but it will bring back the appearance and functionality to the same level in its original condition. Refurbishment involves lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and repairing double glazed windows any damage caused by the rot. It also involves painting the timber frame 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). Finally, it's recommended to put in brush pile weather strips to reduce rattle and increase insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises it can be constructed using similar designs to the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in before installing it, make sure you check the metal tabs against those on the old sash (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each will require a different degree and level of knowledge. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass missing then replacement is the best choice. However, if the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill is decaying, a repair may be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. But there are ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

Take note of the severity of the issue. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace the window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. It is usually possible to repair a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are surprisingly complicated in their design and come with lots of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Many homeowners do not want to take apart the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat escaping out of the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Then remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a safe position. Soften any old filler or hardened putty by using a hot gun. Then scrape it off with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

It is crucial for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features in an older home can provide the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become sloppy or draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the frame of the window and is best left to professionals. But, with the right tools and experience it's possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart begins 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. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's time to take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity and is secured by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash 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 employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first on its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.