Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.

First, scrape off the paint seal from the window stop with a utility knife. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the upper sash, taking off chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.

Sealing

Sash windows look stunning in older structures, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.

Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage in a sash.

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

Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening effortlessly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.

It is essential to measure the entire window opening before installing replacement sash runner. It is recommended to measure 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 the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and a better performance of the window.

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

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also important to make use of stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Common issues include rattling stickiness or draughts. The rotted frames and the rails that meet, as along with broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If these issues occur, it’s time for a sash repair or replacement.

Refurbishment is a more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to as good, if not better than the original condition. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any rot damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is the re-glazing process 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). Finally, it’s recommended to fit brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattle and increase insulation.

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

Before putting the new window in before installing it, make sure you examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they’re different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.

When a window is damaged it is essential to decide between repair or replacement because each kind of work will involve a different level of expertise and price. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it is an alternative. But, fitting if the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be the better option.

Replacement

While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues often point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.

Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace the window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs within the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is usually possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting 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 common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. Most homeowners don’t want to take apart the window frame to repair these issues. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with modern 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 install a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.

To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Store the hardware in a secure location. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.

Repair

The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits however, the original features of a home that was built earlier give personality and value to the home and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This could result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could be slack or draughty. It’s best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since they require extensive dismantling. With the right tools and skills it’s possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

The process of bringing the window apart starts with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights. It’s time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and held by cords. To prevent the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.

After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the double glazing repairs bars and cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent damaging the weight that is balancing.

Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.