Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years may have many issues such as rattles and draughts. They could also be poorly insulated. With a little effort, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

First, remove the seal with a utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove the chains or cords and storing the hardware in a bag marked.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require maintenance and could be susceptible to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage within a Sash.

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

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze could be required if a gap prevents windows from closing and opening easily. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement runners for sash, it is important to measure the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.

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

A strip must be cut to the width of the sash. There should be an extra inch each side to allow to allow for movement. It should be cut square and positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also important to make use of stainless steel screws since brass can rust and the best quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be susceptible to issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Also, rotting frames, connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can add to the inconvenience. When these issues arise, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash, however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window the same or better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by decay. Re-painting the frame of the timber 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 reduce rattle and increase insulation.

If a new sash is needed, it can be made with the same design to match the frame you have. This will preserve the style and character of your home. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the slots of the window frame.

If a window has been damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and cost. If a large portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be a better alternative. But when the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can cause problems such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. But there are ways to improve sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of the problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. Foggy glass, for example is typically caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that the majority of homeowners would like to take on themselves. For these reasons, many choose to work with a specialist.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Place the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for homeowners to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features in an older home can add authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the window frame, so it's best left to professionals. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings that are behind the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Then, pull out the cords or chains on both sides and knot them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and held by an elastic cord. To stop the sash falling into the void hit it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and strip any paint off the sash stops with a utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

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 necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.