Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to a top level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they do need maintenance and are susceptible to issues like cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within the sash window, such as sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of sash and the sill. This can lead to the leaking of moisture, rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be closed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be required in the event that a gap blocks windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.

It is essential to take measurements of the entire window opening prior Sash Windows repair to installing a new sash runners. It is recommended to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

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

A strip must be cut to the length of the sash. There should be an additional inch to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can be rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful historic feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaking are common issues. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glass bars or faulty weights can cause a lot of trouble. If you encounter any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window to as good if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by 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). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent the rattling.

If a new sash is required It can be made with the same design to match your old frame. This will help preserve the style and character of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement because each kind of work will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For instance, if a sash double glazed window repair has a large piece of glass missing, replacing it is the best choice. But, if the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has been decaying, a repair may be the better option.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can cause problems such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It's important to consider the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be remedied with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't something the majority of homeowners would like to take on themselves. Many homeowners opt 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 modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat loss through the window. You can also add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Use a heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate the 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 choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features in an older house can add authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good condition can reduce the energy cost. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This could result in higher energy bills and Sash Windows Repair damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become sloppy or draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and is 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 begin:

Getting the window to come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and held by a rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint off the sash stops using a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.