Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little care, they can be restored to a high level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.

The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage in the shutter.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, rotting it and growth of mold. The gap can be filled by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be required when a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening easily. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to stop sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it is prone to tear and glazing can detract the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners It is crucial to measure the window opening. It is recommended to measure 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 be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a good fitting and better operation of the window.

In older buildings the gap between the sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.

A piece of material should be cut to the width of the sash. There should be an extra inch on each side for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass may get rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are common issues. Rotting frames and rails that connect them, as along with broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. If these issues occur, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash, but it will restore the look and function of your sash window to as good if not better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by decay. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as re-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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to lessen the rattling and increase insulation.

If a replacement sash is needed It can be made using the same style to match your existing frame. This will help preserve the heritage style of your home. This is particularly important for listed properties where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit properly into the slots of the window repair frame.

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 price. For example when a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing then replacing it is the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot, then a repair would be better.

Replacement

Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good shape, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues typically lead to a replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is important to determine the severity of a issue, as it may not be feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are surprisingly complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems like broken panes or snapped sash cable. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or update them to meet modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. It may also be beneficial 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 in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away using the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.

Repair

It is essential for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements offer many advantages, but the original features of an older home can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and is best left to professionals. With the right tools and experience it is possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, remove the sash at the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity, and held by a cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and strip any paint off the sash stops with the help of a utility knife. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid cutting the weight that is balancing.

To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-install the axles for the sash pulleys.