Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. A little attention can often bring them back to their original performance.

First, cut off the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag with an identification label.

Sealing

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

The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary source of draughts. They can also trigger rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary double glazing repairs Maldon can all be used to reduce the air leakage inside the sash.

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

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze could be required if a gap prevents windows from closing and opening effortlessly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option however it is prone to tear and affect the appearance of a window.

When installing replacement sash runners It is crucial to measure the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fitting and better operation of the window.

In older buildings the gap between frame and sash is typically larger around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the height of the sash. There should be an extra inch each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed square and placed in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass will rust. Also, make sure to use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. They are beautiful, but they can be prone to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken double glazing repair Berkhamsted bars, or damaged weights could create a mess. When these problems occur it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, but it can restore the look and function of your sash window to as good if not superior to its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. 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). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the rattling.

If a replacement sash required, it can be made using the same style to match your old frame. This will preserve the heritage style of your house. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Before putting the new window on, it's best to examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit in the slots of the window frame.

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each option will require a different degree and cost of knowledge. For example when a sash window has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best choice. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good condition, perthinside.com but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other methods to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It's important to consider the severity of a issue, since it might not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash itself and can usually be solved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows have a complex design with a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job most homeowners would want to take on themselves. Many homeowners choose to engage a professional for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or update them to meet modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat out of the window. It may also be beneficial to add a brush pile strip to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and remove them. Store the equipment in a secure location. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with 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 the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older home add personality and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track, or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals since it requires a lot of dismantling. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to repair an old sash window 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, take out the sash at the bottom. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and scrape off any paint off the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and reattach the beads that separate if required. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.