Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.

First, remove the seal of paint from the window stop using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. Keep the hardware in a bag with an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings, however they require maintenance and are susceptible to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage in a Sash.

A common problem 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 cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it, and mold growth. The gap can be closed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.

If a gap is hindering the windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it is prone to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

It is important to determine the size of the window opening before installing an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.

In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by using a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as 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. However, despite their beauty these windows are prone to a variety of problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. Also, rotting frames, connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time to consider repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash, however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window as good, if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves re-painting the frame of timber and re-glazing 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). It is also recommended to fit brush pile weather strips to lessen rattling and improve insulation.

If a new sash is needed it can be constructed using the same design to match your old frame. This will preserve the heritage style of your property. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window in place before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes, the new sash will not fit into the window frame slots.

If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different level of expertise and cost. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be a better option. But in the event that the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill is damaged, a repair would 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. This is why it's often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of the problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can often be remedied by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to fix common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Many homeowners do not want to remove the window frame to door repair these issues. Because of this, many opt to hire an expert.

A specialist can help restore sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from getting out of the window. It can also be helpful to add an extra strip of brush pile to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To begin a repair take out the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install the upper sash.

Repair

It is important for homeowners to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer many advantages but the original features of a home that was built earlier give authenticity and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these issues can lead to higher costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window repairs involves extensive dismantling of the window frame and should be 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 start:

The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides, and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and anchored by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and remove any paint from the sash stops with an utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.