Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have many issues, including draughts and rattles. They may also be poorly insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.

First, cut off the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a container with a label.

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and could be susceptible to problems like cracked putty, wet rot and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage within a Sash.

A common issue 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 can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, which can cause rotting, and mold growth. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening smoothly. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

When installing replacement sash runners it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame at the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip should be cut to the width of the sash, with an additional inch on each side for movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass may be rusty. Also, make sure you use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be prone to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, draughts or sticking. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can add to the inconvenience. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is 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 to the same or better than the original condition. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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 install brush pile weather strips to reduce rattle and increase insulation.

If a new sash is required, it can be made from like-for-like designs to match the frame that was previously used and keep the character of your house. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window on before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit inside the window frame slots.

It's important to decide whether to replace or repair the damaged window, since each will require a different degree and level of knowledge. If a large part of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it is an alternative. But in the event that the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has begun damaged, a repair would be the better option.

Replacement

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

Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or even suitable to replace the window. Foggy glass, for example is typically caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows have a complex design that has many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't something that most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. For these reasons, many choose to work with a specialist.

A specialist can help restore windows with sash back to their original glory or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat escaping from the window. It can also be helpful to install a brush pile strip, to stop rattling and reduce drafts.

To start a repair project, remove the double glazed window repairs near me stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Store the hardware in a secure location. Soften any old filler or Sash Windows Repair hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it away using a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and then reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for homeowners to make a decision on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits however, the original features of an older home provide authenticity and value to the property and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may be slack or become draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the window frame and should be left to the professionals. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity, and supported by a cord. To keep the sash from falling into the void hit it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.

When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the balancing.

To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.