Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little effort, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and are susceptible to problems like cracked putty, wet rot and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing double glazing them, or sealing them.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit 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 result in the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. The gap can be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.

In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash and the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed to a square shape and then positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can be rusty. Also, make sure you use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. They are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. When these problems occur it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash however, it can restore the appearance and functionality to the same level as its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.

If a replacement sash is required, it can be made using the same design to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the heritage style of your home. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications to double glazed windows repairs need planning permission.

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

If a window has been damaged, it is crucial to decide between replacement or repair windows, because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and expense. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it is the better option. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these problems. But there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, such as installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or even suitable to replace upvc windows repair. Foggy glass, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame in order to fix these problems. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a professional.

A specialist can assist in restoring windows with sash back to their original glory or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat escaping through the window. It is also possible to put in an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Finally take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and put back the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for homeowners to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features of an older home can provide the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can also reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional because it requires a lot of dismantling. With the right tools and experience it is possible to repair an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Making the window come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and held by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with nails and remove the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using a utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and re-install the axles for the sash pulleys.