Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little bit of care can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.

First, remove the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. The hardware should be stored in a container with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require care. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and increase energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash frame are the main source of drafts. They can also trigger rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Various methods can be used to stop air leaks from the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting and the growth of mold. The gap can be sealed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These bronze strips are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option, but it can tear and affect the appearance of windows.

It is crucial to take measurements of the entire window opening before installing an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a proper fit and a better performance of the window.

In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is important to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass will get rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could cause a lot of trouble. When these issues arise, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself, however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good, if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves the lining of the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by decay. It also involves 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). Finally, it's recommended to install brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made using similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve the character of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they are different shapes, the new sash will not fit into the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, because each type of work will require a different level of expertise and cost. For example when a sash window has a large piece of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working 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. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

Think about the scope of the issue. It might not be necessary or necessary to replace the window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job most homeowners want to tackle on their own. This is why many choose to work with a specialist.

A specialist can help restore windows made of sash back to their original glory or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary double glazing repair, to avoid heat escaping out of the window. It is also possible to install an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair, Sash take off the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Lastly take the sashweights out of the bottom weight cavity. Store the hardware in a safe location. The heat gun will soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace the sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features of an older house can add the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can lower energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist because it requires extensive removal. But, with the right tools and know-how, it is possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, remove the sash at the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and then loosen any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and secured by rope. To stop the sash falling into the void make a hole in it using nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.