Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little care, they can be restored to a high level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, however they require care. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage inside 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 cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood, and mold growth. The gap can be filled with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze may be required in the event that a gap blocks windows from closing and opening smoothly. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.

It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing a replacement sash runner. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.

In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to match the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, Window doctor and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a myriad of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could cause a lot of trouble. When these issues arise, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard as its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.

If a replacement sash needed It can be made with the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the heritage style of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications to windows need planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash won't fit in the slots of the window frame.

It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each will require a different level and amount of expertise. For example the case of a sash windows that has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best option. But, if the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill is rotting then a repair will 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 problems such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. There are other ways to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

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 example is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Most homeowners don't want to disassemble the window frame in order to repair these issues. This is why many choose to work with an expert.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Next, remove the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and install the upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair windows with sash is an important one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits however, the original features of an older house add authenticity and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can lower the energy cost. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts, and condensation. These issues can lead to higher costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can become dislodged or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals, as they require extensive removal. With the right tools and skills it is possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

The process of bringing the window apart begins by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a hidden cavity and held by a rope. To stop the sash falling into the void make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and the 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 not too large to risk damaging the weight that is balancing.

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