Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little care, they can be restored to a high level of performance.

First, remove the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. Keep the hardware in a container with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require care. They can be affected by issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit the air leakage in the sash.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is a common problem. This can result in the leaking of moisture the wood, rotting and growth of mould. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be required if a gap prevents the windows from closing and opening easily. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges in order to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it is prone to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of windows.

It is important to measure the entire window opening prior to installing a replacement sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash 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 there is a larger gap between the sash and the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and placed in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may rust. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant and sash windows repair historic feature of many homes. These windows are gorgeous however they are prone to problems. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. And rotting frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could add to the inconvenience. When these issues arise, it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.

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. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any rot damage. 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). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce rattling and improve insulation.

If a new sash is needed, sash windows repair it can be made using the same style to match the frame you have. This will maintain the heritage style of your house. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash before installing it (see below). If they are different shapes the new sash may not fit in the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each choice will require a different level and amount of knowledge. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be the better option. But when the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill is rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other methods to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. This includes the installation of secondary double glazing window repairs and draught-proofing.

It's important to consider the extent of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For example, a foggy glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Many homeowners do not want to remove the window frame in order to repair these issues. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a professional.

A specialist can assist in restoring windows made of sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat escaping through the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, remove the window repairs stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair a sash window is an important one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits however, the original features of an older house give personality and value to the home and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and 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 traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist because they require extensive dismantling. With the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights attached. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops which is a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a hidden cavity and secured by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.