Renovation and Draftproofing of Sash Windows

[Baxman]

I have particularly draughty sash and case windows. Some of which are stuck and some of which require the cords replaced.

My main question is has anyone draught proofed their own sash windows? If so what did you use. I have tried the B&Q foam/brush backed gap sealants but the results are pretty poor.

My other questions are.
1) Has anyone replaced cords?
2) Has anyone freed up their windows?
3) Has anyone had their windows overhauled by a company and if so how much did it cost and was it worth it?

Any pointers/web addresses/contacts would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Baxman

 

[Tom.]

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/sashwindows/sashwindows.htm

http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/diyelem/windows/winsashbasic.htm


Its not that difficult really, I sorted my front sash windows out, although to be fair they were painted shut and neglected for donkey's years. Check simple stuff like the putty is sound and there are no air gaps at the edge of each pane, things like the parting beads (can't remember the technical name right now) between the sashes aren't too small or rotting away, check around the edges of the window frame to make sure there are no gaps in the plaster/brickwork (air can get in the side, and exit through the pulley).

If most of the air is coming in near the catch that pulls both sashes together, it might be best to pull the lower sash out and rebate a draught excluder into it. The ones that pin on the top aren't that great, so I didn't bother with them.

 

[Baxman]

Thanks for the response Tom.

Couple of questions.

1) How did you free up the windows? Did you use a paint scraper and hammer to break the paint seal or did you use some other method - e.g. the age old technique of a bit brute force

2) Sorry for the basic question but how do you rebate a draught excluder ? Where can you buy the actual draught excluders themselves?

Cheers
Baxman

 

[Tom.]

To free them I used a heat gun and scraper to get the cack out from the corners, from then on it was brute force

If you want to take the sashes out, its dead easy. Around the inside of the frame you'll find a nice fat bead. Just pull it off - be careful because you'll want to reuse it if the wood is ok. Once its off, the sashes will move inwards into the room, the only thing that will hold them up is the cords. Be careful if the cords are in bad condition, in fact the cords may have snapped so get some help.

The cords will likely be nailed into grooves on the edges of each sash. The weights will be accessible by removing a piece of wood in the frame.

To rebate the excluder into the sash you'll need a router. Get help if you haven't used one before. Have a look around those links I gave to find an excluder, you would be advised to find a specialist restorer and perhaps buy one from them.

http://www.ventrolla.co.uk/


Sash windows are great. Don't let any ***** DG salesman talk you into getting DG, they cost more in the long run.

 

[Baxman]

Thanks for the pointers Tom v helpful.

Cheers
Baxman