Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.

First, cut off the seal with a utility knife. Then, remove the staff bead and take the upper sash out by removing chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require maintenance. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great way to reduce these problems and improve the efficiency of energy.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, special products, Sash Windows Repair and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage within the Sash.

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

If a gap is hindering the windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it tends to rip and may alter the look of your window.

When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners which will ensure the best fit and function of the window.

In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash and frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring material.

A piece of material should be cut to the length of the sash, and with an additional inch each side to allow to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can get rusty. Also, make sure you use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are prone to a myriad of issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Rotting frames and rails that connect them, as along with broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. If you encounter any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash but it will bring back the appearance and function to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty and fixing 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). In addition, it is recommended to put in brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattle and increase insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows need planning permission.

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

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For example, if a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing, replacement is the best option. However when the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is decaying, a repair may be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. These issues typically lead to a replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other methods to improve sash upvc window repair performance than simply replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or even necessary to replace windows. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can be fixed by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and have many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or sash cables that have snapped. The majority of homeowners don't want take apart the window frame to fix the issues. This is why many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

A specialist can assist in restoring windows with sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to put in a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Store the equipment in a secure location. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features in an older house can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Keeping them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the frame of the window and is best left to the professionals. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Remove any security fittings that are behind the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops, a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any painted-covered hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity, and secured by a cord. To stop the sash falling into the void, hit it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint that is on the sash stop. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Finally, reattach the sash chains or cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.