Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows that are older than 20 years may have a variety of problems such as rattles and draughts. They may also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. With a little effort they can be restored to a higher level of performance.
First, take off the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag that has the label.
Sealing
Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may all be used to reduce the air leakage within the sash.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can cause water leaking into the wood, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be closed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze may be necessary in the event that a gap blocks windows from closing and opening easily. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges in order to prevent sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it tends to rip and can detract the appearance of your window.
It is essential to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing the replacement sash runner. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fitting and better operation of the window.
In older structures the gap between the frame and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned to match the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws since brass can rust and the best quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The windows with sash are a stunning, historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty windows like sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Frames that are rotting and rails that connect them, as along with broken glazing bars, faulty frames, or rotten weights can all cause problems. If these issues occur, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.
Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window the same or superior to its original state. Refurbishment involves the lining of the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. 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 rattling and improve insulation.
If a new sash is needed It can be made using the same design to match your old frame. This will help preserve the heritage style of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they are different shapes, the new sash will not fit into the window frame slots.
It's important to decide whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each option will require a different degree and cost of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be an alternative. However in the event that the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, however the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these issues. 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.
It's important to consider the extent of a issue, since it might not be practical to replace an entire window. A glass that is foggy, for example is typically caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be remedied with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to disassemble the window frame in order to repair these issues. This is why many homeowners choose to work with an expert.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat loss through the window. It is also possible to install a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Store the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it away using a knife for putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
It is important for homeowners to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements offer many advantages, but the original features in an older home can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts, and condensation. These issues can lead to higher costs for energy and damage to website the frame and sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist because it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and knowledge it is possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and supported by cords. To keep the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.
Once the sashes are free Clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint from the sash stops with the help of a utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the sash pulley axles.