Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with many issues such as rattles and draughts. They might also be poorly insulation. With a little care they can be restored to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require care. They are susceptible to problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.

The gaps between sash frame are the main source of drafts. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage in a Sash.

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 moisture leaking into the wood, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. The gap can be closed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option however it has a tendency to rip, and it can affect the appearance of windows.

It is essential to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the meeting rail and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.

In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is crucial to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.

A strip must be cut to the width of the sash. There should be an extra inch on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a variety of problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, damaged weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. When these problems occur it's time to consider repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself however, seal it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window the same or better than its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by decay. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as glazing using 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 minimize the noise of rattling.

If a replacement sash is needed it can be constructed using the same style to match the frame you have. This will maintain the style and character of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in place, it's best to compare its metal tabs to those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the window frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each will require a different degree and level of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be an alternative. But when the glass is damaged in a tiny section or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good condition, the deterioration of the windows can cause issues such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why it's often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are other 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 issue, since it might not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. A foggy glass problem, for example, is usually caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows have a complex design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to remedy some common problems such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't something most homeowners want to tackle themselves. For seal these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

A professional can help restore windows with sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing, which will stop heat from the double glazed window repairs. It may also be beneficial to add an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a major one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide numerous benefits however, the original features of an older home add authenticity and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These issues can lead to higher costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and know-how it's possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

The process of bringing the window apart begins by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. 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 is secured by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and remove any paint off the sash stops using the help of a utility knife. When the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting 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 and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.