Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

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

First, scrape off the paint seal from the window stop using the knife of a utility. Then, take off the staff bead and remove the upper sash, taking off chains or cords, and then storing the hardware in a bag marked.

Sealing

Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues such as wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows in sash is a great method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Different methods can be employed to limit air leaks within the sash window, such as sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing.

A common problem is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can cause the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. The gap can be sealed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.

Installing new sash runner or spring bronze may be required in the event that a gap blocks windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners it is essential to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a good fitting and better operation of the window.

In older buildings the gap between frames and sash is typically larger around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring material.

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

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a variety of problems. Common issues include rattling draughts or sticking. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames can cause issues. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.

Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but it will restore the appearance and function to the same level as its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. It also involves 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). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.

If a new sash is needed It can be made using the same style to match the frame you have. This will preserve the heritage style of your home. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.

Check the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.

If 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 price. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be a better option. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay, then a repair would be better.

Replacement

While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues often suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.

It is crucial to assess the severity of the issue, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. A foggy glass problem, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be corrected with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows are quite complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. Most homeowners don't want to disassemble the window frame to repair these issues. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.

A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat loss through the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the double glazed window repairs from rattling.

To begin a repair start by removing the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The decision to repair or replace windows with sash is an important one for homeowners. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features in an older home can add the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair rather than replace. Inspecting them regularly can lower the energy cost. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since they require extensive dismantling. With the right tools and experience it's possible to fix an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess how to get started:

Making the window come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the 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 then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and secured by an elastic cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.

After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.

To reassemble the sash place the top sash on its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any parting beads. Reattach the sash cords or chains and then install the sash pulleys.