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 care they can be restored to a high level of performance.

First, take off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. The hardware should be stored in a bag with the label.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, but they require care. They are susceptible to issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to eliminate these issues and increase energy efficiency.

The gaps between the sash and frame are the main source of draughts. They can also cause rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing.

A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is an issue that is common. This could cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood, and mold growth. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

It is crucial to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.

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

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash and with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and placed to match the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass will get rusty. Also, make sure you use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.

Refurbishment

The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Common problems include rattling, draughts or sticking. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash however, it can restore the appearance and functionality to the same level in its original condition. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty, and then repairing any rot damage. It also includes re-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 put in brush pile weather strips to lessen rattling and improve insulation.

If a replacement sash needed, it can be made using the same design to match your existing frame. This will maintain the style and character of your home. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.

Before you put the new window on It is recommended to compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes the new sash may not fit in the window frame slots.

It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each choice will require a different degree and cost of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be an option. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is rotting, then a repair would be more appropriate.

Replacement

Many homeowners would like 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 often point to an inevitable 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 crucial to assess the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash and is typically a solution without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.

Sash windows are quite complicated in their design and come with many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to take on themselves. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.

A professional can help restore sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through the window. You can also install an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Then, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Place the hardware in a secure location. The heat gun will soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The choice to replace or repair windows with sash is an important one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits but the original features of an older home add personality and value to the property and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts and condensation. These problems can result in increased cost of energy and damage to the frame here and sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could become dislodged or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals because it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to repair an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:

Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a hidden cavity and anchored by a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, you must pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.

After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and sash cords. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. When the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the weight that is balancing.

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 properly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.