Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little attention they can be restored to a high level of performance.
First, remove the paint seal from the window stop using an utility knife. Then remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, taking off chains or cords, and then storing the hardware in a labeled bag.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older structures, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by 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.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage within a sash.
A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can lead to water leaking into the wood and rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option but it can tear and detract from the appearance of a window.
It is essential to measure the entire window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline on the meeting rail and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.
In older buildings, the gap between frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is crucial to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be prone to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, defective frames, or rotten weights are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash, but it will restore the look and function of your sash window as good if not superior to its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any rot damage. It also includes 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 install brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.
If the need for a new sash arises it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit properly into the slots of the window frame.
It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace the damaged window, since each option will require a different level and level of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be an alternative. But, if the glass is damaged in a tiny section or a sill is decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why it's often the only solution to these issues. There are other methods to improve sash window performance than simply replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It is crucial to assess the severity of the problem, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. A foggy glass problem, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are a complicated design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to remedy some common problems, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves taking apart the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners decide to work with a professional due to these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from rattling.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull out the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it off with 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 then reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
It is essential for homeowners to decide whether to replace or repair their sash windows. While modern replacements provide many advantages, the original features of a home that was built earlier add character and value to the property and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also lower the cost of energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist, as it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and skills it is possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Making the window come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and supported by an elastic cord. To keep the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using nails and remove the weight.
When the sashes are untied, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint from the sash stops using the help of a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.
Reassemble window repairs by putting the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Finally, reattach the sash cords or chains and then re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.