Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little care they can be restored to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and are susceptible to issues like cracked putty, wet rot, and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.

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

A common problem 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, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. The gap can be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering the windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to 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 detract from the appearance of a window.

It is essential to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a proper fit and a better performance of the window.

In older buildings the gap between the sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window 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 beautiful, historical feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaking are common issues. The rotting of frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. If you encounter any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, but it will restore your sash's look and function to the same level that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. It also involves 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 rattling.

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

Compare the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

If a window has been damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different level of expertise and expense. For example when a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. However, windows Repair there are other ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, like installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

It's important to consider the severity of the issue, since it might not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and is typically a solution without having to tear 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 complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems like broken panes or snapped sash cables. The solution to these issues typically involves removal of the window frame which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

A specialist can help restore windows with sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. You can also install an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Use a heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits but the original features of an older house give authenticity and value to the property and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help lower the energy cost. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or become draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a upvc window repairs sash to a professional since it requires extensive dismantling. But, with the right tools and experience it's possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:

Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and secured by rope. To stop the sash falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.

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

To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash cords or chains and then install the sash pulleys.