Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little attention can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.

First, remove the seal with a utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, taking off cords or chains and storing hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require care. They can be affected by issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage inside the shutter.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sash and the sill. This can lead to moisture leaking in, rotting wood and growth of mold. The gap can be filled with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it is prone to tear and can alter the appearance of your Window Repairs.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to measure the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline on 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 help ensure a proper fitting and better operation of the window.

In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring material.

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and placed in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass will get rusty. Also, make sure to use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaks are all common problems. Rotting frames and rails that connect them, as and broken glazing bars, damaged weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, however, it can restore the appearance and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any rot damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is 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 put in brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.

If a new sash is required It can be made with the same design to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the style and character of your property. This is particularly important for listed properties where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the window frame slots.

It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace a damaged window, as each option will require a different degree and amount of expertise. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best choice. But when the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is damaged, a repair would be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good shape, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

Take note of the severity of the issue. It may not be necessary or even appropriate to replace a window. For instance, a foggy glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and can usually be solved without ripping out the whole frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to tackle themselves. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a professional.

Specialists can restore sash double glazed window repairs near me frames back to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, window repairs and remove the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the 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 a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features in an older home can provide the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can lower the energy cost. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the double glazed window repairs frame, so it's best left to a professional. With the right tools and experience it's possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and held by an elastic cord. To stop the sash falling into the void, pierce it with nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. 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 avoid cutting the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and reattach the parting beads if needed. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and then re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.