Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little effort, they can be restored to a high level of performance.

First, take off the seal with a utility knife. Then, remove the staff bead, then remove the upper sash, taking off chains or cords, and then storing the equipment in a bag labeled.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they do need maintenance and could be susceptible to issues such as wet rot, cracked putty, and drafts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and increase energy efficiency.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialist products and secondary double glazing repair Dover glazing Repair Kingsbury (www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk).

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting and the growth of mold. The gap can be closed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They are available from DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it is prone to rip, double glazing repair Kingsbury and it can affect the appearance of windows.

It is crucial to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is recommended to measure 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 a better fit and operation of the window.

In older structures, the gap between frame and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into consideration 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 trimmed square and placed in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may rust. Also, make sure you use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant, historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful, but they can be susceptible to problems. Draughts, rattling or leaking are typical issues. And rotting frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If you experience any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window the same or better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves the lining of both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is the re-glazing process 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). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent the noise of rattling.

If a replacement sash required It can be made with the same design to match your existing frame. This will maintain the traditional style of your home. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with those of the old sash prior installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit correctly into the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair the damaged window, since each will require a different level and amount of knowledge. For instance when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing then a replacement will be the best choice. However in the event that the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good condition, however it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues often lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

It is important to determine the extent of a issue, as it may not be feasible to replace a complete 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 by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners decide to work with a professional due to these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping from the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe position. Soften any old filler or hardened putty by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away using the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and 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. Modern replacements offer many advantages, but the original features of an older home can provide the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help lower the energy cost. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist, as it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and skills it's possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Getting the window to come apart starts by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Then, take 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 take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and secured by a rope. To stop the sash falling into the void hit it with nails and remove the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint off the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

To reassemble the sash place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.