Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years may have many issues, window including draughts and rattles. They might also be inefficiently insulation. With a little attention they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.

First, remove the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they do need maintenance and can be subject to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and increase energy efficiency.

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

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

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option however it is prone to rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.

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

In older structures, the gap between frame and sash is typically larger around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip must be cut to the length of the sash. There should be an extra inch to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws since brass can rust and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. Common problems include rattling, draughts or sticking. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as along with broken glazing bars, defective frames, or rotten weights can all cause problems. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash itself, but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good if not better than its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as re-glazing 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 install brush pile weather strips to reduce rattle and increase insulation.

If a replacement sash needed it can be constructed with the same design to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the heritage style of your home. This is especially important for listed properties where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If these 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 a damaged window, as each choice will require a different degree and level of knowledge. For instance, if a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best choice. However when the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has begun damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

Consider the extent of the problem. It might not be necessary or even suitable to replace windows. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can be fixed by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and feature many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues such as broken panes, or snapped sash cables. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't something most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners choose to engage a professional for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat out of the window. It can also be helpful to install an extra strip of brush pile to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin the repair, take off the upvc window repairs stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull the lower window sash. Remove the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Store the equipment in a secure place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away using a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace a sash window is an important one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits but the original features of a home that was built earlier give personality and value to the property and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can help lower the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the window frame and should be left to a professional. With the right tools and skills it is possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Take out the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity, and held by an elastic cord. To keep the sash from falling into the void hit it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars as well as the sash cords. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any parting beads. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.