Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little care can often restore them to their original performance.
First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a container with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and are susceptible to issues such as cracked putty, wet rot and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them or repairing them, or sealing them.
The gaps between sash and frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. There are a variety of methods to reduce air leaks in windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing.
A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or the bottom of the sash and the sill. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
If a gap is hindering the windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option, but it has a tendency to tear, and can detract from the appearance of a window.
When installing replacement sash runners it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fitting and better operation of the window.
In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.
The strip should be cut at the height of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, because brass is prone to rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. These windows are gorgeous, but they can be susceptible to 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 create a mess. If you encounter any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, but it will restore your sash's look and function to the same level that it was in its original form. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is the re-glazing process using 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize rattling.
If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve the character of your house. This is particularly important for listed properties where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit properly into the slots of the window frame.
When a window is damaged it is essential to decide between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and price. For instance when a sash window has a large chunk of glass missing, replacement is the best choice. However, if the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues often point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. However, there are ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.
It is crucial to assess the severity of the issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. Foggy glass, 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 using a couple of simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.
window repairs are a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a professional.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or update them to meet modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to add an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To begin a repair start by removing the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Next, remove the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Then take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight. Place the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install 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 many advantages but the original features of an older home provide character and value to the property and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can also reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since they require extensive removal. With the right tools and skills, it is possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. The next step is to take out the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a concealed cavity and held by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.