Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years may have many issues such as rattles and draughts. They might also be poorly constructed to be insulated. With a little attention they can be restored to their original performance.

First, remove the seal with 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 bag with a label.

Sealing

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

The gaps between the sash and frame are the main source of draughts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is an issue that is common. This can cause the leaking of moisture the wood, rotting and growth of mould. The gap can be sealed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing the windows from closing and opening without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the sash's lower edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners It is crucial to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and a better performance of the window.

In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash and frame on the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed square and positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may rust. Also, make sure to use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be prone to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, draughts or sticking. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If you encounter any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but can restore your sash's look and function to the same standard as its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. 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). Finally, it's recommended to fit brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattle and increase insulation.

If a new sash is required it can be constructed using similar designs to the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows need planning permission.

Before you put the new window in before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the slots of the window frame.

It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair a damaged window, as each choice will require a different degree and level of expertise. For example when a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best option. But when the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill has begun decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good condition, the deterioration of the windows can result in problems like rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues typically lead to a replacement as the only feasible solution. But there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

Think about the scope of the problem. It may not be necessary or suitable to replace the window. A glass that is foggy, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or sash cables that have snapped. Many homeowners do not want to disassemble the window frame in order to fix these problems. This is why many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat from the double glazed window repairs. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it away using a knife for putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

It is important for the homeowner to decide whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features of an older house can add character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can lead to more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could become dislodged or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals because it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and experience it's possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a heavy lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a hidden cavity and anchored by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk puncturing the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.