Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to a top level of performance.

First, remove the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a container with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, however they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows sash is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger rattles and Window repairs near Me reduce sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to stop air leaks from windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.

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

If a gap in the window is preventing the windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges in order to stop sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option but it can tear, and can make a difference to the appearance of a window.

It is important to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the an alternative sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure the best fit and function of the window repairs near me (look these up).

In older structures there is a greater gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to consider this when cutting and measuring 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 in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty windows like sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are typical issues. The rotting of frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and functionality to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves the lining of both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by the rot. It also involves re-painting the frame of timber 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 is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.

If a new sash is required it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame that was previously used and keep the character of your house. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window on before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside 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 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 option. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. But there are ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

It's important to consider the severity of the problem, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and is typically a solution without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple 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 common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window repairs near me frame, which isn't a job most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. Because of this, many opt to hire an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat loss from the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

To begin a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, remove the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Store the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away using a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing a sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. While modern replacements provide many advantages but the original features of a home that was built earlier provide authenticity and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the frame of the window, so it's best left to a professional. With the right tools and know-how it's possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, 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 attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and anchored by rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid puncturing the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.