Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little attention can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.

First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop using an utility knife. Then, remove the staff bead, then take the upper sash out and remove the chains or cords and storing the equipment in a bag labeled.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they require maintenance and are susceptible to issues like wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also trigger noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Different methods can be employed to stop air leaks from the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and growth of mold. The gap can be sealed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap in the upvc window repair is preventing windows from closing and opening without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option, but it has a tendency to rip, and it can affect the appearance of windows.

When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures, the gap between sash and frame is usually greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into account when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and placed so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may be rusty. Also, make sure to use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant, historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Common problems include rattling, stickiness or draughts. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself, however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window as good, if not better than its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty, and then 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). Finally, it's recommended to install brush pile weather strips to lessen rattle and increase insulation.

If you require a new sash, it can be made using similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for listed properties where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with those of the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different shapes the new sash may not fit in the slots of the window frame.

It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each choice will require a different level and level of knowledge. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it is the better option. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is beginning to rot, then a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can cause issues such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these problems. There are other options to improve sash window performance rather 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 suitable to replace the window. Foggy glass, for example is typically caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can be fixed with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and uPVC replacement.

Sash windows have a complex design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame to fix these problems. Because of this, many choose to work with an expert.

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

To begin a repair take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, remove the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for upvc weight. Store the hardware in a secure location. The heat gun will soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace the sash window is a major one for the homeowner. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features in an older home can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The sliding mechanism may become sloppy or draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the window frame and should be left to the professionals. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart starts with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and knot them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy lead or Upvc iron cylinder enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To keep 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 jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and cords for the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reattach the parting beads if needed. Finally, reattach the sash chains or cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.