Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows suffer from a range of problems including draughts, rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little care they can be repaired to their original performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require regular maintenance and can be subject to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows sash is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve energy efficiency.

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

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

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be required when a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening smoothly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option however it is prone to tear, and can affect the appearance of windows.

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

In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame at 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 to the height of the sash, with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws since brass can rust and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. They are beautiful, but they can be susceptible to issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Rotting frames and meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten are all causes of problems. If these issues occur, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash however, it can bring back the appearance and function to the same level that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by the rot. 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 prevent rattling.

If a replacement sash is needed, it can be made using the same style to match your existing frame. This will maintain the heritage style of your house. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash before installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different level of expertise and cost. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a significant piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best choice. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill is rotting, then a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues usually suggest replacement as the only logical solution. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

It is important to determine the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs within the sash and is usually able to be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be corrected by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to solve common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners would want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or update them to meet modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To start a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull out the lower window 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 place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer numerous benefits however, the original features of a home that was built earlier add authenticity and value to the property and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become dislodged or upvc window repairs even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since it requires extensive removal. But, with the right tools and knowledge it is possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Getting the window doctor to come apart begins by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides and knot them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and anchored by rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed Clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint off the sash stops with a utility knife. Reattach the stops once the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and then install the sash pulleys.