Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

First, remove the seal with 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 bag with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings, however they require maintenance and could be susceptible to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows in sash is a great method to minimize these issues and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may all be used to reduce the air leakage in a sash.

A common issue 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 lead to moisture leaking in, rotting wood and the growth of mold. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze may be required if a gap prevents the windows from closing and opening easily. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the sash's lower edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option but it can tear and affect the appearance of a window.

When installing replacement sash runners It is crucial to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best 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 to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that 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 by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also crucial to use 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 and historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are susceptible to issues. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. The rotted frames and the rails that connect them, as and broken double glazing Derby bars, defective frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. If you experience any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash but can restore the appearance and function to the same level that it was in its original form. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves re-painting the frame of timber and re-glazing with 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 fit brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.

If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any changes to the windows need planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash won't fit properly into the window frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace the damaged window, since each option will require a different level and cost of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be a better alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot, then a repair would be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why it's often the only solution to these problems. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, including installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

Consider the extent of the issue. It might not be necessary or suitable to replace the window. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected by a few easy fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are quite complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common problems such as broken panes, or sash cables that have snapped. Solving these issues usually requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners decide to engage a professional for these reasons.

A professional can help restore windows made of sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat escaping out of the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window repairs Luton from squealing.

To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Then, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure position. The heat gun will soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or double glazing Derby Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits however, the original features of an older house give character and value to the home and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts and condensation. These problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist, as it requires extensive dismantling. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's time to take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight, that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and held by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied Clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, double glazing Derby and scrape off any paint off the sash stops with an utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing 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. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.