Upgrading window glass a do-it-yourself project Tilt-in sash replacement kit comes to homeowners’ rescue

Dear Jim: Our double-hung window frames are still in good condition, but the windows are leaky, won’t stay open and sweat. Is there any method to just upgrade the glass portion without ripping out the entire window? – Ron A.

Dear Ron: Your window situation is not uncommon and many of the major window manufacturers have come to your rescue. Instead of replacing the entire window, which generally requires a contractor, you can upgrade the glass in the windows with a do-it-yourself tilt-in sash replacement kit.

Since glass is the heart of any window, replacing it will greatly reduce your utility bills and window condensation. All of the sash replacement kits include tilt-in channels. These channels allow you to tilt in each window sash individually for easy cleaning from indoors.

The channels are designed to fit in your old window frames perfectly and the sashes fit snugly in them with new spring counterbalances. These springs will hold the window open in any position while still allowing the sash to be moved up and down easily. They also seal very well.

The high-efficiency glass options available in the sash kits are the same ones available in other new windows. Installing low-emissivity, or low-e, double-pane glass with argon gas in the gap is a reasonably priced choice for most areas of the country. It also reduces carpet fading from the sun.

If you have problems with outdoor noise, consider getting krypton gas in the gap instead of argon. It is more dense and blocks more noise and energy loss. Even without krypton, just the airtightness of the new sashes blocks noise.

All of the replacement sash manufacturers use wood for the framing. It is available in natural or primed finishes to match the existing window frame color. For nearly maintenance-free windows, select a sash kit with aluminum cladding on the exterior surfaces.

The kit includes everything you need to install one in an existing window frame: two sashes, locks, tilt-in pivots, jamb liners, hardware, and an instructional video. There are literally hundreds of sizes, often in 2-inch increments, so it usually is not a problem finding the proper size.

The tools you need to install a kit are a hammer, saw, putty knife, pliers and finishing nails. Pry the old sash stops loose and remove the old sashes. Tack the new jamb liner clips into place and snap the liners over them. Insert the top sash first, followed by the pivots and then the lower sash.

Another much lower cost option, although not as efficient, is to install just a jamb liner replacement kit. These new jamb liners fit tightly against the existing sashes to block leaks and hold them in position.

Write for (instantly download – www.dulley.com) Update Bulletin No. 498 – buyer’s guide of 11 tilt-in sash replacement and channel kit manufacturers listing frame materials, colors, glass options, features, prices and installation instructions. Please include $3 and a business-size SASE, and send to James Dulley, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244.