Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

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

First, take off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag that has a label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage inside the Sash.

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

If a gap is hindering the windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to stop sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

It is essential to determine the size of the 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 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 structures there is a larger gap between the sash and frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is important to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

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

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful, but they can be susceptible to problems. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. And rotting frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. If you encounter any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash itself however, it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash upvc window repair as good, if not better than the original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves painting the timber frame 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 reduce rattling and replacement improve insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in before installing it, make sure you check the metal tabs against those on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash won't fit correctly into the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each will require a different level and cost of expertise. For instance, if a sash window has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting, then a repair would be better.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good order, deterioration can eventually result in problems like rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues often lead to a replacement as the only sensible solution. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, like installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or even necessary to replace a window. For example, a foggy glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and can usually be solved without ripping out the whole frame. A poor seal can also be fixed by a few easy fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems like broken panes or snapped sash cable. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to take on themselves. For these reasons, many opt to hire an expert.

A specialist can help restore windows with sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window repair, attach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for homeowners 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 authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good shape can reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these issues can lead to higher energy bills and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and is best left to the professionals. With the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Getting the window to come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and secured by cords. To prevent the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and strip any paint from the sash stops with an 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 placing the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.