Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years can have many issues, including draughts and rattles. They might also be poorly constructed to be insulated. A little care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require maintenance. They are susceptible to problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage within 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 the sill and the sash. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may 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 to stop sideways rattle. They can be purchased from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners, it is important to measure the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older structures the gap between the frames and sash is typically larger around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the height of the sash, and with an extra inch on each side for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to match the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass can get rusty. Also, use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning, historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Rotting frames and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, defective frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems. If you experience any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash, but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to the same or superior to its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any rot damage. It also includes re-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). It's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the rattling.

If a replacement sash needed, it can be made using the same design to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the style and character of your property. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows need planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If they are different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the slots of the window frame.

If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose 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 an alternative. However when the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill has been decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.

Replacement

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

It is important to determine the severity of the problem, as it may not be feasible to replace a complete window. A glass that is foggy for instance, Sash Windows Repair is usually caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are extremely complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job most homeowners want to tackle themselves. For these reasons, many choose to work with a specialist.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or update them to meet modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat loss from the window. It may also be beneficial to put in a brush pile strip to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords that are on both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure position. The heat gun will soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is an important one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits however, the original features of an older home provide authenticity and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals because it requires a lot of removal. With the right tools and experience, it is possible to repair an the old sash upvc window repairs yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the local window repair come apart starts by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, take out the bottom sash. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides, and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a large iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and secured by rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.