Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

First, remove the seal of paint using an utility knife. Then remove the staff bead and take the upper sash out, taking off cords or chains and storing hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, however they require care. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great way to reduce these problems and improve energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage within a Sash.

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

If a gap is preventing windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges in order to prevent the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option, but it is prone to rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.

It is crucial to take measurements of the entire window opening before installing an alternative sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners, which will ensure the best fit and function of the window doctor.

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 Vstrip, however it is essential to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash, window Doctor with an inch extra on each side to allow 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 essential to use stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and the best quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are prone to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Rotting frames and rails that connect them, as well as broken glazing bars, defective weights or rotten frames can cause issues. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash however, it can restore your sash's look and function to the same standard as its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strips in order to minimize the rattling and increase insulation.

If a replacement sash is needed, it can be made using the same design to match your old frame. This will help preserve the heritage style of your property. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows need planning permission.

Before you put the new window in, it's best to examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit in the window doctor frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace the damaged window, since each will require a different degree and level of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it is the better option. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is beginning to rot or rotting, then a repair could be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues often suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. But there are ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

It is crucial to assess the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. A foggy glass problem, for example is typically caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to remedy some common problems such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners decide to work with a professional due to these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window doctor frames to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To start a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is crucial for homeowners to decide whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits, the original features of an older house give personality and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

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

Getting the window to come apart starts by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides and knot them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and secured by a cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and strip any paint off the sash stops using a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the 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 correctly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and then re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.