Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little care, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

First, knock off the seal of paint from the window stop using the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings, however they require 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 method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage in a 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 lead to the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be filled with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze could be required when a gap is preventing the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the sash's lower edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

It is important to measure the entire window opening prior to installing a replacement sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures the gap between sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip must be cut to the width of the sash. There should be an additional inch for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to align with the angle of the 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 window is a beautiful and historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a myriad of issues. Common issues include rattling stickiness or draughts. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glass bars or weights that are not working properly can add to the inconvenience. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. It also involves 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). 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 design to match your old frame. This will preserve the traditional style of your home. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit in the window frame slots.

If a window has been damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, because each kind of work will involve a different level of expertise and expense. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it is the better option. However when the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has begun decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. But there are ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

It is important to determine the severity of the problem, as it may not be feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a fogging glass issue is usually a problem within the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be remedied by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. Many homeowners do not want to remove the window frame to repair these issues. This is why many homeowners choose to work with an expert.

A specialist can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to current energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat escaping through the window. It may also be beneficial to install a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair take out the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Lastly take the sashweights out of the bottom cavity of the weight. Store the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away using a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and install the upper sash.

Repair

It is crucial for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits, the original features of a home that was built earlier provide authenticity and value to the home and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can also reduce energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can glazing repair near me be difficult to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could become sloppy or become draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals, as it requires a lot of dismantling. With the right tools and skills, it is possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the window come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, take out the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and anchored by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and remove any paint off the sash stops using an utility knife. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and re-install the axles for the sash pulleys.