Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with various issues such as rattles and draughts. They may also be inefficiently insulation. With a little care they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require regular maintenance and can be subject to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows in sash is a great method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

The gaps between the sash and frame are the main source of draughts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. There are a variety of methods to reduce air leaks in the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing.

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

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They can be purchased from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it has a tendency to tear, and can detract from the appearance of a window.

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

In older structures, the gap between frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to consider this when measuring and cutting material.

A strip should be cut to the width of the sash, and with an extra inch each side to allow to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and placed to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may rust. Also, make sure you use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a variety of problems. Draughts, rattling or leaks are all common problems. Rotting frames and rails that connect them, as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash but it will restore your sash's look and function to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by rot. 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent the noise of rattling.

If you require a new sash, it can be made using similar designs to the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.

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

It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each will require a different degree and amount of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be a better option. But in the event that the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill is rotting then a repair will 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 like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these problems. But there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

It's important to consider the extent of a issue, 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 fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be remedied by a few easy fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to solve common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job most homeowners want to take on themselves. Many homeowners choose to engage a professional for these reasons.

A specialist can assist in restoring windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to install a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

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

Repair

It is important for the homeowner to decide whether to repair timber windows or replace their sash windows. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older house add character and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts and condensation. These issues can lead to higher costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and experience it's possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Getting the window to come apart begins 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 chains or cords on both sides and knot them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and Windows Repair remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity, and secured by a cord. 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 the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade 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 puncturing the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.