Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

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

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require maintenance and are susceptible to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage within the Sash.

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

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They are available from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is prone to tear and may alter the look of your window.

It is important to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the replacement 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 later be transferred to new runners that will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older buildings the gap between frames and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into account when cutting and measuring material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws, since brass can rust and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning, historical feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful, but they can be susceptible to issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaks are all common problems. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, defective frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. When these problems occur it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash however, it can restore the appearance and functionality to the same level in its original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing 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 is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to reduce the rattling.

If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications to windows require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in, 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 won't fit in the slots of the window frame.

If a window has been damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement, since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a significant piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best option. However when the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is important to determine the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. A glass that is foggy for instance, is usually caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. The majority of homeowners don't want take apart the window frame in order to repair these issues. This is why many opt to hire an expert.

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 installing secondary glazing to stop heat loss from the window. It is also possible to put in an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, remove the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install the upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace the sash window is an important one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages however, the original features of an older home give authenticity and value to the home and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also reduce the energy cost. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become sloppy or become draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the window frame, so it's best left to the professionals. But, with the right tools and know-how it is possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Making the upvc window repair come apart starts by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, take out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void hit it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed Clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint from the sash stops with the help of a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any parting beads. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.