Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have many issues that include rattles and draughts. They might also be inefficiently insulated. A little care can often restore them to a high standard of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and are susceptible to problems like wet rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and increase energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash frame are the main source of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.

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

If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may 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. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it has a tendency to tear, and can detract from the appearance of windows.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to measure the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners, which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older buildings, the gap between frame and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed 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 high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful historic feature in many homes. They are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Common issues include rattling stickiness or draughts. The rotted frames and the rails that meet, as and broken glazing bars, defective weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, but it will bring back the appearance and function to the same standard as its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is 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 strip to minimize the rattling.

If a replacement sash required It can be made using the same design to match your existing frame. This will preserve the heritage style of your home. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in It is recommended to check the metal tabs against the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash won't fit correctly into the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair the damaged window, since each will require a different level and amount of expertise. For example when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing then a replacement will be the best choice. However when the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these issues. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

Think about the scope of the problem. It may not be necessary or even appropriate to replace the window. For example, a foggy glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and can usually be solved without ripping out the whole frame. A poor seal can also be fixed with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are a complicated design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame in order to repair these issues. For these reasons, many choose to work with an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from getting out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from shaking.

To begin a repair start by removing the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window repairs sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Lastly take the sashweights out of the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a secure place. 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 and lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

It is essential for homeowners to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits, the original features of an older home provide character and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can lead to higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist since it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and experience, it is possible to fix an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:

Making the window come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and held by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.