Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop with the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag that has an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require care. They are susceptible to issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or upvc window repairs sealing them.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to limit air leaks within a sash window, including sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing.

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

If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option however it is prone to rip, and it can detract from the appearance of a window.

It is important to take measurements of the entire window opening before installing an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older structures the gap between the sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the length of the sash, and with an additional inch for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can be rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historic feature in many homes. They are beautiful, but they can be susceptible to issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. If you encounter any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself but it can restore the look and function of your sash window the same or better than its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is 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 install brush pile weather strip to minimize rattling.

If a new sash is needed, it can be made with the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the heritage style of your home. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they are different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and price. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it is an option. But when the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has been decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.

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. These issues often point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. But there are ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

It is important to determine the severity of the issue, since it might not be feasible to replace the entire window. For example, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem within the sash and is usually able to be resolved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are quite complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners would want to take on themselves. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping through the window. It may also be beneficial to put in a brush pile strip to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin a repair, take off the upvc window repairs stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a safe location. The heat gun will 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 by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace the sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages but the original features of a home that was built earlier provide character and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close as the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals since it requires a lot of dismantling. With the right tools and skills it is possible for you to repair the old sash Upvc Window Repairs yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the window come apart begins by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights attached. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a hidden cavity and secured by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.