The Advanced Guide To Sash Windows Repair

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. With a little care they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.

First, remove the seal of paint from the window stop using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag that has a label.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance and are susceptible to issues such as cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing, repairing or sealing them.

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

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

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening easily. These bronze strips are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it can tear, and can detract from the appearance of a window.

It is essential to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is best 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 later be transferred to new runners, which will ensure the best fit and function of the window.

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

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. The strip should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also important to use 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. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be susceptible to issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars, or damaged weights could create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good, if not better than the original condition. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves painting the frame with timber and reglazing 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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to lessen the rattling and increase insulation.

If a new sash is required the frame can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame that was previously used and keep the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for listed properties where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in place It is recommended to examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit correctly into the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each option will require a different level and cost of knowledge. For example when a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best option. However, if window repairs 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 order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues usually suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue is usually a problem within the sash itself and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. It is often possible to repair 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. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners want to tackle themselves. Many homeowners decide to engage a professional for these reasons.

A specialist can help restore sash windows to their original splendor, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, which will stop heat through the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from squealing.

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 weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install the upper sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace windows with sash is a major one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide many advantages but the original features of an older home provide personality and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can help reduce energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could be slack or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist, as they require extensive removal. But, with the right tools and knowledge it is possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Then, take 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 now time to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and anchored by rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

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 that is on the sash stop. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.