Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years can have many issues that include rattles and draughts. They could also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. A little care can often restore them to a top level of performance.
First, remove the seal on the paint of the window stop with an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag that has an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance and are susceptible to issues like wet rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.
The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also cause rattles and reduce sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.
A common problem is a gap 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, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze could be necessary if a gap prevents the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.
When installing replacement sash runners It is crucial 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 rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect 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 is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is essential to consider this when measuring and cutting material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass may get rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are prone to a range of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. If you encounter any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but can restore the appearance and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by decay. It also includes re-painting the frame of timber 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 is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent rattling.
If a replacement sash needed, it can be made using the same style to match your existing frame. This will preserve the style and character of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications to windows will require planning permission.
Before putting the new window on before installing it, make sure you examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit inside the slots of the window frame.
It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each option will require a different degree and level of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be a better option. But in the event that the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually result in problems like rattles, draughts or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. They can be improved by the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It is crucial to assess the extent of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs within the sash itself and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. It is often possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common problems like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. Many homeowners do not want to disassemble the window frame in order to fix these problems. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping from the window. You can also add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from rattling.
To begin the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away using a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
It is crucial for homeowners to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits, the original features of an older house give authenticity and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can lower the cost of energy. Sash windows can be prone to drafts and rattles. This can lead to higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window sash to a professional because they require extensive dismantling. With the right tools and skills, it is possible to repair an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a heavy iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and held by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk puncturing the weight that is balancing.
To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and re-install the sash pulley axles.