Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little attention can often bring them back to their original performance.

First, cut off the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag with an identification label.

Sealing

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

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Different methods can be employed to stop air leaks from a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option, but it has a tendency to rip, and it can detract from the appearance of a window.

It is essential to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash 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 the gap between the sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can rust. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. These windows are gorgeous however they are susceptible to issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard in its original condition. Refurbishment involves the lining of the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by decay. It also involves 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 fit brush pile weather strips to lessen the rattling and companies increase insulation.

If a replacement sash required It can be made using the same design to match your old frame. This will help preserve the style and character of your house. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window on, it's best to check the metal tabs against those on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit correctly into the window frame slots.

When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For example, if a sash window repairs near me has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues typically suggest replacement as the only logical solution. But there are ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

It's important to consider the severity of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be remedied 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 some common problems like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. Many homeowners do not want to remove the window frame in order to fix the issues. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.

A professional can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. It may also be beneficial to install a brush pile strip to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings that are 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 sash weights from bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Store the hardware in a safe location. The heat gun will soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and put back the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing a sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements offer many advantages, but the original features of an older house can add authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts, and condensation, companies and these problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the frame of the window and should be left to professionals. With the right tools and knowledge it is possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and secured by a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, you must pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.

Once the sashes are free clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint off the sash stops with a utility knife. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid puncturing the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-attach the sash pulley axles.