Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may suffer from a range of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. With a little care, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

First, scrape off the paint seal from the window stop using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a container with an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require care. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to minimize 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. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit the air leakage within a Sash.

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

If a gap is hindering the windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option, but it is prone to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of windows.

When installing replacement sash runners it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners, which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older buildings the gap between frame and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into account when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip must be cut to the width of the sash, and with an extra inch to allow movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass will be rusty. Also, use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning, historic feature of many homes. They are beautiful, but they can be prone to problems. Common issues include rattling draughts or sticking. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glass bars, or damaged weights could add to the inconvenience. When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good if not better than the original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and repairing any rot damage. 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent the noise of rattling.

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 important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If they are different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit into the window frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to replace or repair a damaged window, as each will require a different degree and amount of knowledge. If a large portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be a better option. If the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting, then a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. This is why it's often the only solution to these problems. There are other ways to improve sash window performance other 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 appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A poor seal can also be fixed with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to remedy some common problems such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners decide to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To begin a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Next, remove the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Lastly take the sashweights out of the bottom cavity of the weight. Place the equipment in a secure place. The heat gun will soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is an important one for the homeowner. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features of an older home can add character and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can help lower energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts, and condensation. These problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close as the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or become draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist, as it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and Sash Windows Repair experience it is possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:

Getting the window to come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot 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) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and held by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and rails that meet, remove the double glazing window repairs bars and sash cords, and strip any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.

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