Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with various issues that include rattles and draughts. They may also be poorly insulated. A little care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues such as cracks in 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.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage in a sash.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it, and mold growth. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane 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 easily. These bronze strips are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges in order to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be purchased 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.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rail that connects it and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a proper fit and better operation of the upvc window repairs.

In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can rust. Also, use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historic feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to problems. Draughts, rattling or leaking are typical issues. The rotted frames and the rails that meet, as along with broken glazing bars, damaged weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself but it will improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window as good, if not better than its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as re-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 is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strips to reduce rattling and improve insulation.

If you require a new sash it can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows require planning permission.

Check 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 may not fit into the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace the damaged window, since each will require a different level and amount of expertise. For example, if a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing, replacement is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is beginning to rot or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues typically lead to a replacement as the only feasible solution. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, including installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or appropriate to replace a window. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common issues like broken panes or snapped sash cables. The solution to these issues typically involves taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners want to take on themselves. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with a professional.

A professional can help restore sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to prevent heat from getting out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from shaking.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Lastly take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Use a heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and install the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a major one for the homeowner. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits, the original features of an older home provide authenticity and value to the home and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close as the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a upvc Window repair sash to a professional, as it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and experience it's possible for you to repair old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity, and upvc window repair supported by cords. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the sash cords. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by placing 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 needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.