Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years may have various issues, including draughts and rattles. They may also be poorly insulated. A little attention can often bring them back to their original performance.

First, take off the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. Keep the hardware in a container with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracked putty, wet rot and drafts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and increase energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage within a shutter.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is an issue that is frequent. This can lead to moisture leaking in the wood, rotting and the growth of mould. The gap can be filled by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be required when a gap is preventing the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it tends to rip and may alter the look of your window.

It is essential to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing the an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.

In older structures the gap between frames and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass may get rusty. Also, make sure to use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. They are beautiful, but they can be prone to problems. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could cause a lot of trouble. When these issues arise, it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good if not better than its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any rot damage. It also involves 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). In addition, it is recommended to put in brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.

If you require a new sash, it can be made using similar designs to the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

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

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each option will require a different level and level of expertise. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it would be a better alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

It is important to determine the extent of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. A foggy glass problem for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners would want to take on themselves. Many homeowners choose to work with a professional due to these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass window repair to block heat from escaping through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Store the equipment in a secure place. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and put back the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or Sash Windows Repair repairing windows with sash is a crucial one for homeowners. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older house can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This could result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track, or even draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window sash to a professional because it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and knowledge it is possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and Sash Windows Repair held by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and the cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. After the sashes have been put back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any parting beads. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.