Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years old can be afflicted with a variety of problems such as rattles and draughts. They may also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. A little attention can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.
First, scrape off the seal of paint from the window stop with the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a container with a label.
Sealing
Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they do need maintenance and are susceptible to issues like cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Different methods can be employed to stop air leaks from windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.
A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can lead to moisture leaking in, rotting of the wood, and mould growth. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening effortlessly. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges in order to stop sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option however it has a tendency to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of a window.
It is important to take measurements of the entire window opening before installing new sash runners. It is best to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners, which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.
In older buildings the gap between frame and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.
A piece of material should be cut to the width of the sash, with an extra inch on each side to allow for movement. The strip should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The windows with sash are a stunning historical feature in many homes. They are beautiful but they can also be prone to problems. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights are all causes of problems. If these issues occur, it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it will improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window as good if not superior to its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by decay. It also involves re-painting the frame with timber and reglazing 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). Finally, it's recommended to fit brush pile weather strips to reduce the rattling and increase insulation.
If a replacement sash is required, it can be made using the same style to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the traditional style of your home. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any changes to the windows require planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash prior installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash will not fit properly into the slots of the window frame.
If a window has been damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement, since each kind of repair will require a different level of expertise and cost. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best choice. But, if the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these problems. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. These include the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
Take note of the severity of the issue. It may not be necessary or appropriate to replace the window. A foggy glass problem, for example, is usually caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a weak seal by making a few easy solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature a lot of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. The majority of homeowners don't want remove the window frame to fix these problems. Many homeowners decide to work with a professional due to these reasons.
window repairs can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat out of the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from rattling.
To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, remove the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Then remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The choice to replace or repair a sash window is an important one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits however, the original features of an older house add character and value to the property and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can result in increased energy bills and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become dislodged or draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since it requires a lot of removal. But, with the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:
Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. Pull the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a large iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and secured by a rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, followed by the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.