Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to their original performance.

First, knock off the seal of paint from the window stop using the knife of a utility. 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 can look stunning in old buildings, however they require maintenance and can be subject to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage inside the Sash.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, which can cause rotting, and mold growth. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze could be necessary if a gap prevents windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it tends to rip and may alter the look of your double glazed window repair.

When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a proper fitting and better operation of the window.

In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash as well as the frame at the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when cutting and measuring material.

A piece of material should be cut to the height of the sash, and with an extra inch each side to allow to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and placed in accordance 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 is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as along with broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten are all causes of problems. When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash however, it can restore your sash's look and function to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as the re-glazing process 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 is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.

If you require a new sash it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit in the slots of the window frame.

If a window has been damaged, it is crucial 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, replacing it is an alternative. However, if the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues typically lead to a replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other ways to improve sash window repairs performance other than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is important to determine the severity of a issue, as it may not be feasible to replace the entire window. For example, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem in the sash itself and can usually be solved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is usually possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame to fix the issues. Many homeowners decide to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat escaping from the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

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

Repair

It is important for homeowners to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features of an older house can add the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can lower the cost of energy. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals since they require extensive dismantling. With the right tools and skills, it is possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart begins with the removal of any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, remove the sash at the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights attached. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and anchored by rope. To stop the sash falling into the void pierce it with nails and remove the weight.

When the sashes are untied Clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and strip any paint from the sash stops using the help of a utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.

To reassemble the sash place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and reattach the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash chains or cords and Sash Windows Repair install the sash pulleys.