So You've Bought Sash Windows Repair ... Now What?

Sash Windows Repair and Replacement

Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have many issues such as rattles and draughts. They could also be inefficiently insulated. With a little effort they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.

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

Sealing

Sash windows look gorgeous in older buildings, but they require maintenance and could be susceptible to issues such as wet rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.

Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage within the sash.

A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sill and the sash. This can lead to moisture leaking in, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.

If a gap in the window is preventing windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.

When replacing sash runners, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners that will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.

In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and repair double glazing windows the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into account when measuring and cutting the material.

The strip should be cut at the height of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and placed to match the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and the best quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.

Refurbishment

The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are prone to problems. Draughts, rattling or leaking are common issues. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as along with broken glazing bars, faulty frames, or rotten weights can all cause problems. When these issues arise, it's time to consider repairs or replacements to your sash.

Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash however, it can restore your sash's look and functionality to the same level in its original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to reduce the rattling.

If a new sash is 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 particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows require planning permission.

Compare the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash won't fit properly into the window frame slots.

It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair double glazing windows the damaged window, since each will require a different degree and amount of expertise. For instance when a sash window has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.

Replacement

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

It is important to determine the severity of the issue, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. A foggy glass problem, for Repair Double Glazing Windows example is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be remedied with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.

Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to remedy some common problems like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame to fix these problems. This is why many homeowners choose to work with a professional.

Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from rattling.

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

Repair

It is crucial for homeowners to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits, the original features of an older house give personality and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can result in increased energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.

Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist because it requires extensive removal. But, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:

The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a heavy lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.

After the sashes have been removed Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint from the sash stops using the help of a utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.

Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and then re-attach the sash pulley axles.