Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows older than 20 years old can be afflicted with many issues, including draughts and rattles. They could also be poorly constructed to be insulated. With a little attention, they can be restored to their original performance.

First, remove the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and are susceptible to issues such as cracked putty, wet rot and drafts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Different methods can be employed to limit air leaks within the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing.

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

Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze could be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening easily. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners It is crucial to measure the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners which will ensure the best fit and function of the window.

In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

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

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning historical feature in many homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. Rotting frames and meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If these issues occur, it’s time for an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but can restore your sash’s look and function to the same standard in its original condition. Refurbishment involves the lining of the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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 strip to reduce the rattling.

If a new sash is required it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home’s historic design. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows require planning permission.

Before putting the new window in before installing it, make sure you check the metal tabs against the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they’re different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the slots of the window frame.

If a window is damaged, it’s essential to choose between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and price. For instance when a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing then a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting, then a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why it’s often the only solution to these problems. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, such as installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Think about the scope of the issue. It might not be necessary or even suitable to replace the double glazed window repairs near me (linked site). For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. It is usually possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn’t something that most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. You can also install an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from squealing.

To begin a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the chains or cords that are on both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and remove them. Place the equipment in a secure place. The heat gun will soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is an important one for the homeowner. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features of an older house can add character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Inspecting them regularly can reduce the energy cost. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The sliding mechanism may be slack or even draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the window frame, so it’s best left to professionals. With the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to repair an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides, and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It’s now time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars as well as the sash cords. Then, using a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.