Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. With a little attention they can be restored to their original performance.

First, remove the paint seal from the window stop with the knife of a utility. Then, take off the staff bead, then take the upper sash out by removing cords or chains and storing hardware in a bag marked.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require regular maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing may all be used to reduce the air leakage inside a Sash.

A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood and growth of mold. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be necessary if a gap prevents windows from closing and opening easily. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners It is crucial to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older buildings, the gap between sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when cutting and measuring material.

A piece of material should be cut to the length of the sash, with an additional inch each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned to match the angle of the sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, since brass can rust and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful historical feature of a lot of homes. These windows are beautiful however they are susceptible to problems. Common problems include rattling, stuck or Sash Windows Repair draughty windows. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself but it will restore the look and function of your sash window as good if not better than the original condition. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. It also involves 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 is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to prevent the rattling.

If you require a new sash it can be constructed using similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications to windows need planning permission.

Before you put the new window in place, it's best to check the metal tabs against those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each will require a different level and cost of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it is the better option. But in the event that the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but the deterioration of the local window repair will eventually cause issues like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other ways to improve sash window performance than simply replacing them. They can be improved by the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

Consider the extent of the issue. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace windows. For instance, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem within the sash and can usually be solved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. It can be difficult 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 tackle themselves. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

A specialist can assist in restoring windows with sash back to their original glory or even bring them up to current energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. It may also be beneficial to put in an extra strip of brush pile to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe position. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away with a putty knife. 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 a sash window is an important one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages, the original features of a home that was built earlier provide authenticity and value to the home and are generally less expensive to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window repairs with sash to a specialist, as it requires a lot of dismantling. With the right tools and knowledge it is possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart begins with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides and knot them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's now time to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and supported by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords for the sash. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.