Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years may have various issues, including draughts and rattles. They may also be poorly insulation. A little care can often restore them to a high standard of performance.

First, remove the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or Double Glazed Window Repairs chains. Store the hardware in a bag that has an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and increase energy efficiency.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products, Double Glazed Window Repairs and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage within a shutter.

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 result in the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be necessary in the event that a gap blocks windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased from DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it can rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of a window.

It is crucial to take measurements of the entire window opening before installing an alternative sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners that will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

In older buildings, the gap between frame and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into account when cutting and measuring material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and placed to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may be rusty. Also, use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaks are all common problems. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. When these problems occur it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good, if not better than the original condition. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.

If a new sash is required the frame can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve the character of your house. This is especially crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit inside the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and expense. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be an option. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is rotting or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, including installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

It's important to consider the severity of the issue, since it might not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be remedied by a few easy fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are quite complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. Many homeowners do not want to take apart the window frame to fix these problems. Because of this, many choose to work with a specialist.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to install a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin a repair, remove the double glazed window repairs stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull the lower window sash. Remove the chains or cords on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Store the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window repairs. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair a sash window is a major one for the homeowner. While modern replacements provide many advantages but the original features of an older home provide character and value to the home and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help lower energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The sliding mechanism may be slack or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the window frame and is best left to professionals. However, with the right tools and experience, it is possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and remove any paint from the sash stops with the help of a utility knife. After the sashes have been put 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.

To reassemble the sash place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.