Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with many issues, including draughts and rattles. They could also be poorly insulated. With a little care they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they require maintenance and could be susceptible to issues like cracks in putty, Sash Windows Repair wet rot and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the sash window is an effective way to reduce these problems and increase energy efficiency.

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

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 water leaking into the wood, rotting of the wood and growth of mould. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be required when a gap is preventing the windows from opening and shutting easily. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it can rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.

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

In older buildings the gap between the sash and frame is usually greater around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by using a 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. There should be an additional inch to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and the best quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The Sash window is a beautiful and historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can cause a lot of trouble. If you are experiencing any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard as its original state. Refurbishment involves lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and then 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). Finally, it's recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce rattling and improve insulation.

If a new sash is required the frame can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve your property's heritage style. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit in the slots of the window frame.

When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between repair or replacement, since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For example, if a sash window has a large chunk of glass missing then a replacement will be the best choice. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill is beginning to rot or rotting, then a repair could be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues typically point to an inevitable replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other ways to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

Consider the extent of the issue. It may not be necessary or appropriate to replace the window. For instance, a fogging glass issue is usually a problem within the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and feature lots of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. Many homeowners opt to engage a professional for these reasons.

A professional can help restore windows made of sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from rattling.

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 pull out the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the double glazed window repair, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features of an older home can provide the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. 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 costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals because they require extensive dismantling. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings that are behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides and knot them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and anchored by rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes are 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. Reattach the stops once the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Finally, reattach the sash chains or cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.