Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little attention they can be repaired to a high level of performance.

First, scrape off the seal on the paint of the window stop using the knife of a utility. Then remove the staff bead and remove the upper sash, taking off chains or cords and storing the hardware in a bag marked.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they do need maintenance and can be subject to problems like cracked putty, wet rot, and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Various methods can be used to stop air leaks from the sash window, such as sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing.

A common problem is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can lead to the leaking of moisture, rotting of the wood and growth of mould. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the sash's lower edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it has a tendency to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of a window.

It is important to take measurements of the entire upvc window repairs opening before installing an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom of 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 frame and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass will rust. Also, make sure you use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning, historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. When these problems occur it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash but can bring back 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 fixing any rot damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is 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). Finally, it's recommended to fit brush pile weather strips in order to minimize the rattling and increase insulation.

If a new sash is required it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is particularly important for listed properties where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

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

If a window is damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and expense. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best option. But in the event that the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass can also occur. These issues often lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. However, there are ways to improve sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Take note of the severity of the problem. It may not be necessary or even appropriate to replace windows. For example, a foggy glass issue typically occurs within the sash and is typically a solution without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows feature a complicated design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to remedy some common problems, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to take on themselves. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.

A professional can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements offer many advantages, but the original features in an older home can provide the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these issues can lead to higher energy bills and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and is best left to the professionals. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's now time to take out the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and secured by rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and strip any paint off the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops once the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Reattach the sash cords or chains and then install the sash pulleys.