Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have various issues that include rattles and draughts. They may also be poorly insulated. With a little effort, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.

First, scrape off the seal on the paint of the window stop with an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. Store the hardware in a bag that has an identification label.

Sealing

Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require care. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them, repairing or sealing them.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to stop air leaks from the sash window, such as sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can result in water leaking into the wood and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening easily. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges in order to prevent the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it has a tendency to rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.

It is crucial to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down 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 the gap between the sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring material.

The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. It is also essential to make use of stainless steel screws since brass can rust and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems. Draughts, rattling or leaks are all common problems. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good if not better than its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. It also includes 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the noise of rattling.

If a replacement sash needed, it can be made using the same style to match your existing frame. This will help preserve the traditional style of your home. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows will require planning permission.

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

It is crucial to determine whether to replace or repair a damaged window, as each will require a different degree and cost of knowledge. If a large part of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be the better alternative. But, if the glass has been 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 windows in good condition, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. These issues often suggest replacement as the only feasible solution. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, like installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.

It is important to determine the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire local window repair. For example, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem within the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to remedy some common problems like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners decide to work with a professional due to these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from shaking.

To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Place the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.

Repair

It is important for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older home can provide authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can lower energy costs. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts and condensation. These issues can lead to higher energy bills and Sash Windows Repair damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or even draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist, as it requires a lot of dismantling. However, with the right tools and know-how, it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a heavy lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a concealed cavity and secured by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.

Once the sashes are free, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint from 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 first into its track, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.