Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows suffer from a range of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. A little care can often restore them to their original performance.

First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. The hardware should be stored in a container with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and could be susceptible to issues like cracked putty, wet rot and drafts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash and frame are the primary source of draughts. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage in the shutter.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is a common problem. This can cause water leaking into the wood, rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be closed with caulking made of polyurethane or Double Glazing Repair Watford silicone or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering the windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can 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 take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.

In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame at the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by using a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is important to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow movement. The strip should be cut square and placed so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can rust. Also, make sure to use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous however they are prone to problems. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. If you experience any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash however, it can restore the appearance and functionality to the same level that it was in its original form. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. 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). It is also recommended to fit brush pile weather strips to lessen the rattling and increase insulation.

If you require a new sash it can be constructed from similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home's historic design. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

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

If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement, since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and price. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be an alternative. But when the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill is rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only feasible solution. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing and secondary double glazing repair Watford.

It's important to consider the extent of a problem, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. A foggy glass problem for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Most homeowners don't want to disassemble the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners choose to engage a professional for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat escaping out of the window. It may also be beneficial to add a brush pile strip to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away using the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and install the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a major one for homeowners. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features of an older home can provide authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or draughty. Repairing a sash window repairs Bletchley requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window, so it's best left to professionals. With the right tools and experience it's possible to repair an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:

Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights. The next step is to take out the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, double glazing repair Watford take off any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and held by cords. To keep the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and scrape off any paint off the sash stops using a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent puncturing the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and then reconnect the beads for parting if necessary. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.