Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little care can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance and are susceptible to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows in sash is a great way to reduce these problems and increase energy efficiency.

The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage inside the shutter.

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

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

It is important to measure the entire window repairs opening prior to installing a new sash runners. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners that will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash and frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and placed in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can be rusty. Also, make sure you use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are typical issues. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars or weights that are not working properly can add to the inconvenience. When these problems occur it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, however, it can restore the appearance and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as 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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to lessen rattle and increase insulation.

If a replacement sash is required It can be made using the same style to match your existing frame. This will maintain the heritage style of your property. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the window repair frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement, since each kind of repair will require a different level of expertise and expense. For instance when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing then replacing it is the best choice. But when the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good condition, the deterioration of the windows can result in problems like draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why it's often the only solution to these issues. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. They can be improved by the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of the issue, as it may not be feasible to replace the entire window. For example, a foggy glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows have a complex design with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. Many homeowners do not want to disassemble the window frame to fix the issues. Because of this, many choose to work with a specialist.

A professional can help restore sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat escaping out of the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from shaking.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Store the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is an important one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits but the original features of an older home provide character and value to the property and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can reduce energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to drafts and rattles. This can result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The sliding mechanism may become sloppy or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals since it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and experience, it is possible to repair an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart begins by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. The sash can be pulled back 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 stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars as well as the sash cords. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.