Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows may suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little care can often bring them back to their original performance.

First, remove the seal on the paint of the window stop using a utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove the chains or cords, and then storing the hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great way to reduce these problems and improve energy efficiency.

The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialty products and secondary double glazing repairs.

A common problem 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 could cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood and growth of mold. The gap can be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be necessary in the event that a gap blocks windows from closing and opening smoothly. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but 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 window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a good fit and a better performance of the window.

In older structures the gap between the sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass may rust. Also, make sure you use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as along with broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten are all causes of problems. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to the same or better than the original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is 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 rattling.

If you require a new sash it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit properly into the slots of the window frame.

It's important to decide whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each choice will require a different degree and amount of knowledge. For example, if a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best choice. But in the event that the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good shape, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. There are other options to improve sash window performance than simply replacing them. These include the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It's important to consider the severity of a issue, as it may not be feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a foggy glass issue usually occurs within the sash and can usually be solved 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 extremely complex in design and feature a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want disassemble the window frame to fix the issues. Many homeowners choose to engage a professional for these reasons.

A specialist can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away using the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair a sash window is a major one for homeowners. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits, the original features of a home that was built earlier provide personality and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these issues can lead to higher energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.

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

The process of bringing the window apart begins with the removal of any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Then, remove 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 take off the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with nails and remove the weight.

Once the sashes are free, clean out the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and strip any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.