Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years may have a variety of problems that include rattles and draughts. They might also be poorly insulated. A little care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, however they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage in a Sash.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can lead to moisture leaking in, rotting wood and growth of mold. The gap can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

If a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the sash's lower edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it has a tendency to tear and make a difference to the appearance of windows.

When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash 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 buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

A strip should be cut to the height of the sash, and with an additional inch on each side to allow movement. The strip should be cut square and placed in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass can rust. Also, use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. But despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems. Common issues include rattling stickiness or draughts. The rotted frames and the rails that meet, as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If these issues occur, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard in its original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is the re-double glazing process 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 strip to minimize the noise of rattling.

If the need for a new sash arises the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in before installing it, make sure you examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window doctor frame.

When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will require a different level of expertise and price. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be an alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. These issues often lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

Take note of the severity of the issue. It may not be necessary or suitable to replace windows. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.

Sash windows are quite complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. Most homeowners don't want to disassemble the window frame in order to fix the issues. Many homeowners decide to engage a professional for these reasons.

A specialist can assist in restoring windows with 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 put in a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords on both sides. Lastly take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace the sash window is a major one for homeowners. Modern replacements offer many advantages 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 shape can also lower the cost of energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could be slack or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional, as it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and experience it is possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:

Getting the window to come apart begins by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a large iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and held by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.

When the sashes are untied Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and strip any paint off the sash stops using a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.