Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years may have many issues such as rattles and draughts. They may also be poorly insulation. With a little care they can be repaired to their original performance.

First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop using the knife of a utility. Then, take off the staff bead and remove the upper sash, taking off chains or cords, and then storing the equipment in a bag labeled.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective way to reduce these problems and increase energy efficiency.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage in a shutter.

A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood and growth of mold. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze could be necessary in the event that a gap blocks windows from closing and opening smoothly. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option however it has a tendency to tear, and can detract from the appearance of a window.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to measure the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older buildings, the gap between sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also essential to make use of stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are common issues. Frames that are rotting and rails that connect them, as along with broken glazing bars, faulty frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. When these issues arise, it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is a more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it will restore the look and function of your sash window the same or better than the original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is the re-glazing process 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the noise of rattling.

If a new sash is required, it can be made from like-for-like designs to match the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is especially crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in place before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the old sash (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each will require a different level and cost of knowledge. For instance when a sash window has a large chunk of glass missing then replacing it is the best 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 condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are ways to improve sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Consider the extent of the issue. It might not be necessary or even appropriate to replace windows. A glass that is foggy, for example, is usually caused by the sash and Sash Windows Repair can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature a lot of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame to repair these issues. This is why many choose to work with a specialist.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping from the window. It can also be helpful to put in a brush pile strip to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure 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 with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair windows or replace a sash window is an important one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages but the original features of an older house add authenticity and value to the home and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close as the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and should be left to the professionals. But, with the right tools and know-how it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Getting the window to come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Then, pull out the cords or chains on both sides and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (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 weight balancing, which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and held by a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars as well as the sash cords. Then using a utility knife take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are in the correct alignment with the frame, and reattach the beads that separate if required. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-install the sash pulley axles.