Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have a variety of problems such as rattles and draughts. They might also be inefficiently insulated. With a little attention they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.

First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop using a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a bag with an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older structures, but they require maintenance. They are susceptible to problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows in sash is a great way to reduce these problems and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Different methods can be employed to reduce air leaks in windows with sash, including sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can result in moisture leaking in the wood, rotting and growth of mould. The gap can be filled with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to stop sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it can rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.

It is crucial to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing the an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners that will ensure an improved fit and near by performance of the window.

In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial 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 movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws, because brass is prone to rust, and the best quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful, but they can be prone to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. If you are experiencing any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good, if not better than its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as 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). In addition, it is recommended to put in brush pile weather strips to reduce the rattling and increase insulation.

If a replacement sash is required it can be constructed with the same design to match your existing frame. This will help preserve the traditional style of your house. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit into the slots of the window frame.

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will require a different level of expertise and expense. For instance when a sash window has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good shape, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass can also occur. These issues usually suggest replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other ways to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It's important to consider the extent of a issue, since it might not be feasible to replace a complete window. A glass that is foggy, for example is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A leaky seal can be fixed with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. The majority of homeowners don't want remove the window frame to fix these problems. 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 modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping out of the window repairs. It is also possible to put in a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair project, remove the window repairs stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Lastly, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a secure position. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and put back the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing a sash window is a major one for the homeowner. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits but the original features of an older house provide personality and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased energy bills and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could be slack or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window sash to a professional, as it requires a lot of dismantling. With the right tools and experience it's possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to get started:

The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, take out the bottom sash. Then, remove 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 take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and near by loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a hidden cavity and anchored near By a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice 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 using a utility knife take off any paint from the sash stop. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid cutting 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 aligned properly with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.