Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years can have various issues such as rattles and draughts. They might also be poorly insulated. With a little care they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

First, scrape off the paint seal from the window stop with the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag that has the label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance and can be subject to 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 the sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage in the shutter.

A common problem 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 moisture to leak in, rotting wood and the growth of mold. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary if a gap prevents windows from opening and shutting easily. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the sash's lower edges to stop sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it can rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.

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

In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame at the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is important to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the width of the sash. There should be an additional inch each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful, but they can be prone to problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are common issues. Rotting frames and rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, defective frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If you encounter any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash, but can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. It also involves re-painting the frame with timber and reglazing 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 install brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattle and increase insulation.

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

Compare the metal tabs on the new window doctor (http://web011.dmonster.kr/Bbs/board.php?bo_table=b0501&wr_id=1520398) with those of the old sash before installing it (see below). If they are different shapes, the new sash will not fit inside the slots of the window frame.

It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace the damaged window, since each option will require a different level and cost of knowledge. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be a better alternative. But in the event that the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as rattles, window doctor draughts or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. There are other options to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or suitable to replace the window. A foggy glass problem, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be corrected by making a few minor adjustments rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners choose to work with a professional due to these reasons.

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, which will stop heat from the window. It is also possible to add a brush pile strip to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and put back the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits, the original features of a home that was built earlier add authenticity and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can lead to more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or even draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the window frame and should be left to a professional. With the right tools and experience it's possible for you to repair old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and window doctor pull out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the weights attached. It's time to take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and secured by rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and the sash cords. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reattach the parting beads if needed. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.