Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years old can be afflicted with various issues such as rattles and draughts. They might also be poorly constructed to be insulated. A little care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.
First, scrape off the paint seal from the window stop with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag that has a label.
Sealing
Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they do need maintenance and are susceptible to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
The gaps between sash and frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also trigger rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage in the shutter.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is a common problem. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting and the growth of mold. The gap can be closed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze could be required in the event that a gap blocks windows from closing and opening easily. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is prone to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.
When installing replacement runners for sash, it is important to take full measurements of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.
In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash and the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a beautiful historic feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be prone to problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Rotting frames and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, defective weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash, however, it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window to as good if not better than the original condition. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. It also involves painting the timber frame 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 minimize rattling.
If a new sash is required, it can be made from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows need planning permission.
Before you put the new window in place It is recommended to examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.
It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace a damaged window, as each choice will require a different degree and level of knowledge. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be a better alternative. However when the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.
window repair
Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues often lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
It is important to determine the extent of a issue, since it might not be practical to replace an entire window. For example, a foggy glass issue usually occurs within the sash itself and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can 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 a challenge to fix some common problems like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to take on themselves. Many homeowners choose to work with a professional due to these reasons.
A specialist can help restore windows with sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat escaping out of the window. It can also be helpful to put in a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure place. The heat gun will soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and put back the upper sash.
Repair
The decision to repair or replace a sash window is an important one for the homeowner. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features of an older home can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could become dislodged or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist, as they require extensive dismantling. With the right tools and skills it is possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and held by rope. To stop the sash falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and the sash cords. Then, using a utility blade take off 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 avoid damaging the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.