Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be prone to a variety of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little care they can be repaired to a higher 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 off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require maintenance and are susceptible to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them or repairing them, or sealing them.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Different methods can be employed to stop air leaks from the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This can lead to moisture leaking in, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be necessary if a gap prevents the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. 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 a window.

When installing replacement sash runners it is essential to measure the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, 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 better operation of the upvc window repair.

In older structures, the gap between frame and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into account when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass will be rusty. Also, use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be susceptible to issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or Sash Windows Repair leaking are typical issues. Rotting frames and rails that meet, as and broken glazing bars, defective frames or weights that are rotten can all cause problems. If these issues occur, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but it will restore your sash's look and function to the same standard in its original condition. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box using traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. It also involves re-painting the timber frame and re-glazing 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 put in brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.

If a new sash is required, it can be made from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly crucial for Sash Windows Repair listed homes where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair a damaged window, as each choice will require a different level and cost of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be an option. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can result in problems like draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues typically point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

It's important to consider the extent of a issue, since it might not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a foggy glass issue usually occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can be fixed with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like broken panes or snapped sash cable. Most homeowners don't want to disassemble the window frame to fix these problems. This is why many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.

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 may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to add a brush pile strip, to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Place the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace a sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide numerous benefits, the original features of a home that was built earlier add character and value to the home and are generally less expensive to fix than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can reduce energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the frame of the window, so it's best left to professionals. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, take out the bottom sash. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides, and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and anchored by rope. To stop the sash falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, 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 damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.