Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little care can often restore them to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance. They are susceptible to problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows sash is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash frame are the main source of draughts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage in a shutter.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it, and mold growth. The gap can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the sash's lower edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is prone to tear and may alter the look of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners It is crucial to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on the meeting rail and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a good fit and a better performance of the window.

In older structures, the gap between frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to take this into consideration 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 squarely trimmed and placed to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can be rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. They are beautiful however they are prone to problems. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars, or damaged weights could create a mess. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, but it will bring back the appearance and functionality to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. It also includes re-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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.

If a new sash is required it can be constructed using similar designs to the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in place 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 into the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement because each type of work will require a different level of expertise and cost. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best option. But when the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other options to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It's important to consider the severity of a issue, since it might not be feasible to replace the entire window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be remedied with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows have a complex design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to fix common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want remove the window frame in order to fix the issues. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from rattling.

To begin the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull out the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the equipment in a secure location. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a major one for the homeowner. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits, the original features of an older home give authenticity and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows repair can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could be slack or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the window frame and is best left to the professionals. But, with the right tools and experience it's possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Getting the window to come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, remove the sash at the bottom. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity and is secured by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife 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 damaging the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Finally, reattach the sash chain or Sash Windows Repair cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.