Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little care they can be restored to their original performance.
First, scrape off the seal on the paint of the window stop using a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a bag with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require maintenance and can be subject to problems like cracked putty, wet rot and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective way to reduce these problems and increase energy efficiency.
The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Various methods can be used to stop air leaks from a sash window, including sealing beads, special 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 can lead to moisture leaking in, rotting wood and growth of mold. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be required if a gap prevents windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the sash's lower edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it has a tendency to tear and affect the appearance of a window.
When replacing sash runners It is crucial to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.
In older structures there is a greater gap between the sash as well as the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.
A piece of material should be cut to the width of the sash. There should be an extra inch to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and placed in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may rust. Also, use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The windows with sash are a stunning, historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful, but they can be prone to problems. Common issues include rattling draughts or sticking. Also, rotting frames, connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can add to the inconvenience. When these issues arise, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash but can restore your sash's look and functionality to the same level that it was in its original form. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. 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). It's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.
If a replacement sash needed It can be made using the same design to match your existing frame. This will preserve the style and character of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes to windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If they are different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the window frame slots.
If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and cost. For example, if a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill has begun to decay, then a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, however deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. There are other methods to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It is crucial to assess the extent of a issue, as it may not be feasible to replace the entire window. Foggy glass, for example, is usually caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are extremely complex in design and feature many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle on their window repairs own. This is why many homeowners choose to work with an expert.
A specialist can assist in restoring windows made of sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from shaking.
To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Lastly remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Place the hardware in a secure location. The heat gun will soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
It is essential for homeowners to decide whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older home provide personality and value to the property and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased energy bills and 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 even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the window frame, so it's best left to the professionals. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to start:
Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the attached weights. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity, and supported by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, hit it with nails and remove the weight.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife, remove any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent puncturing the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.