Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little attention can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

First, take off the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. Keep the hardware in a bag with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older structures, but they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit the air leakage within the 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, rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be closed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges in order to stop the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however 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 recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners, which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older structures the gap between sash and frame is usually greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may be rusty. Also, make sure to use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Draughts, rattling or leaking are common issues. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. If you encounter any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair timber windows your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash however, it can restore the appearance and function to the same standard as its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as 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 put in brush pile weather strip to prevent rattling.

If you require a new sash, it can be made from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows need planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash will not fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

If a window has been damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, because each kind of work will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass missing then a replacement will be the best choice. But when the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has begun damaged, a repair would be the better option.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why it's often the only solution to these issues. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. This includes the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of the problem, as it may not be feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without having to tear out the entire frame. A leaky seal can be fixed with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to remedy some common problems such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want disassemble the window frame in order to fix the issues. For these reasons, many opt to hire a professional.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor 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. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, Sash Windows Repair remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty by using a hot gun. Then scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and put back the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to decide 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 often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or even draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the frame of the window and should be left to the professionals. However, with the right tools and knowledge it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window repairs sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides and sash windows Repair tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and secured by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash from falling into the void pierce it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and sash cords. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent puncturing the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first on its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and reattach the parting beads if needed. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the sash pulley axles.