Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to their original performance.

First, remove the seal with a 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 that has a label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings, however they require regular maintenance and could be susceptible to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to limit air leaks within 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 a common problem. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and growth of mold. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from closing and opening without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners it is essential to take full measurements of the window opening. It is best to measure 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 incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.

In older buildings the gap between the frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is essential to consider this when measuring and cutting material.

A strip should be cut to the height of the sash, and with an extra inch to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws, since brass can rust and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. Common issues include rattling stickiness or draughts. The rotted frames and the rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten are all causes of problems. When these problems occur it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash, but it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window the same or better than its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by decay. It also involves re-painting the frame of timber 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 install brush pile weather strips to lessen the rattling and increase insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises the frame can be constructed using similar designs to the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash before 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 essential to decide between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and price. For example the case of a sash windows that has a significant piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be more appropriate.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good order, deterioration can eventually result in problems like rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues usually suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other ways to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

Take note of the severity of the problem. It may not be necessary or suitable to replace windows. A glass that is foggy, for example is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be remedied by making a few minor adjustments rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. The solution to these issues typically involves removal of the window frame which isn't something that most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. This is why many choose to work with a specialist.

A specialist can assist in restoring windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. It can also be helpful to install an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To start a repair project click here start by removing the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a secure position. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it away using a knife for putty. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and put back the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair a sash window is an important one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements offer numerous benefits but the original features of an older home add authenticity and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased energy bills 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 draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals since it requires a lot of removal. With the right tools and knowledge, it is possible for you to repair the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the window come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings that are in 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 tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights attached. It's now time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and held by a rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using nails and remove the weight.

When the sashes are untied Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.