Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. With a little care, they can be restored to a high level 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 take off any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a container with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older structures, but they require care. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. upvc door Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage in the shutter.

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

If a gap is hindering windows from closing and opening without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These bronze strips are stapled or nailed to the sash's lower edges to stop sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it is prone to tear and detract from the appearance of a window.

It is essential to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing a replacement sash runner. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rail that connects it, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners that will ensure the best fit and function of the window.

In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash as well as the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass will be rusty. Also, make sure to use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. Frames that are rotting and rails that connect them, as well as broken glazing bars, faulty frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but it will restore the appearance and function to the same standard in its original condition. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber 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 rattling and improve insulation.

If you require a new sash, it can be made from similar designs to 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 changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different shapes 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, because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and expense. If a large part of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be a better alternative. However, if the glass is damaged in a tiny section or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old windows in good order, deterioration can eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues typically suggest replacement as the only logical solution. There are other methods to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. This includes the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a fogging glass issue is usually a problem within the sash and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. A weak seal can be fixed by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows have a complex design that has many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues like broken panes or snapped sash cable. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to tackle themselves. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to install a brush pile strip to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the equipment in a secure place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and put back the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair the sash window is an important one for homeowners. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits but the original features of a home that was built earlier provide character and value to the home and are generally less expensive to fix than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become sloppy or even draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the window frame, so it's best left to a professional. But, with the right tools and experience it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides, and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and held by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void hit it with nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the sash cords. Then using a utility knife take off any paint that is on the sash stop. After the sashes have been put back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent puncturing the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.