Why We Do We Love Sash Windows Repair (And You Should, Too!)

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years may have various issues, including draughts and rattles. They could also be inefficiently insulated. With a little attention, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to limit air leaks within a sash window, including sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is a common problem. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it, and mold growth. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges to stop sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline on the meeting rail and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.

In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is important to account for this 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 squarely trimmed and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass will rust. Also, make sure to use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could create a mess. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash but can restore your sash's look and function to the same standard 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 timber frame 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 install brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.

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

Check the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they are different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit into the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement, because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For example when a sash window has a large chunk of glass that repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is missing, then a replacement will be the best option. However when the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues typically lead to a replacement as the only logical 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.

It is important to determine the extent of a problem, as it may not be feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be remedied by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are surprisingly complicated in their design and come with many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to fix common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners would want to take on themselves. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.

A specialist can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

To begin a repair take out the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Then remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace a sash window is a major one for homeowners. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features in an older home can add the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become sloppy or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional since it requires a lot of dismantling. But, with the right tools and experience it's possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:

Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, hit it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. 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, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and then reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.