Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to a top level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary double glazing.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This can result in the leaking of moisture, rotting of the wood, and mould growth. The gap can be filled by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering windows from closing and opening easily, it could 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 prevent sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fitting and better operation of the window.

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

A strip should be cut to the width of the sash, with an extra inch each side to allow to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning, historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could add to the inconvenience. If you encounter any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash but it will bring back the appearance and function to the same standard as its original state. Refurbishment involves the lining of the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize rattling.

If a new sash is required the frame can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame that was previously used and keep the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.

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

If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different level of expertise and expense. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best choice. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot, then a repair would be better.

Replacement

Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these problems. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, such as installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of the issue, since it might not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs within the sash itself and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. A leaky seal can be fixed by a few easy fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are a complicated design that has many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners opt to engage a professional for these reasons.

A professional can help restore windows with sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat loss from the window replacement. It can also be helpful to put in a brush pile strip to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.

To begin a repair start by removing the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a safe position. 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 with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the 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 house can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts and condensation. These problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the frame of the window, so it's best left to a professional. With the right tools and skills it's possible to repair an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess how to get started:

Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and then loosen any painted-covered hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and secured by cords. To keep the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free Clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-install the sash pulley axles.