Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to a top level of performance.

First, take off the paint seal using an utility knife. Then remove the staff bead and take the upper sash out, taking off chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older structures, but they require care. They are susceptible to problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.

The gaps between the sash and frame are the main source of draughts. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to stop air leaks from a sash Window Doctor, including sealing beads, specialty 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 lead to the leaking of moisture, rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option however it has a tendency to rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.

It is essential to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures the gap between the frames and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also essential to make use of stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a variety of problems. Draughts, rattling or leaks are all common problems. Rotting frames and rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash, but it will restore your sash's look and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is the re-glazing process 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). Finally, it's recommended to put in brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.

If a replacement sash is needed, it can be made using the same design to match your old frame. This will help preserve the traditional style of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new upvc window repairs on, it's best to examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit inside the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair the damaged window, since each option will require a different degree and level of knowledge. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it is an alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill is rotting or rotting, then a repair could be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why it's often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.

Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace a window. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to remedy some common problems like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Many homeowners do not want to disassemble the window frame in order to fix the issues. Many homeowners decide to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from getting out of the window. It may also be beneficial to put in a brush pile strip to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a secure position. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages, the original features of a home that was built earlier give personality and value to the property and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help lower the energy cost. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or Window Doctor become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional, as it requires a lot of removal. But, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

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

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk puncturing the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Finally, reattach the sash chains or cords and then re-attach the sash pulley axles.