Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little care, they can be restored to a high level of performance.

First, remove the seal on the paint of the window stop with a utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead and pull out the upper sash and remove the cords or chains and storing hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and could be susceptible to problems like wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage within a shutter.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is an issue that is common. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, rotting it and growth of mold. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it is prone to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

It is crucial to measure the entire window opening prior to installing a new sash runners. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.

In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash and the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to consider 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 placed in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can be rusty. Also, make sure you use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty windows like sash windows can be prone to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaking are typical issues. Rotting frames and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, repairer defective frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If you experience any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash however, it can restore the appearance and function to the same level in its original condition. Refurbishment involves the lining of the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. It also includes re-painting the timber frame and re-double glazing repair Windsor 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 put in brush pile weather strips to reduce the rattling and increase insulation.

If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made using similar designs to the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is especially important for xilubbs.xclub.tw buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

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

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair the damaged window, since each choice will require a different level and amount of knowledge. For instance, if a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best choice. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting, double Glazing repairs Solihull then a repair would be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. They can be improved by the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or suitable to replace the window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame to repair these issues. Many homeowners decide to engage a professional for these reasons.

A professional can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat loss from the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from shaking.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Store the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a major one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages but the original features of an older house add authenticity and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These issues can lead to higher cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window sash to a professional because it requires a lot of dismantling. With the right tools and experience it is possible for you to repair the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Getting the window to come apart begins by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Then, pull out the cords or chains 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 remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and secured by an elastic cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. When the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.