Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have various issues such as rattles and draughts. They may also be inefficiently insulation. With a little care they can be restored to a high level of performance.
First, knock off the paint seal 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. Keep the hardware in a bag that has an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows can look stunning 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 reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing window repair , special products, and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage in a shutter.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is an issue that is frequent. This could cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood, and mold growth. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening easily. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it is prone to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.
It is essential to measure the entire window opening before installing new sash runners. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a proper fit and a better performance of the window.
In older structures there is a greater gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut to a square shape and then positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws since brass can rust and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. Common issues include rattling draughts or sticking. Also, rotting frames, connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.
Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, but it will bring back the appearance and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty, and then repairing any rot-related damage. It also involves painting the frame of timber and re-glazing 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 is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.
If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made using similar designs to the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit in the slots of the window frame.
If a window is damaged, it's essential to choose between replacement or repair, because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and cost. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be an alternative. However when the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why it's often the only solution to these problems. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
Consider the extent of the issue. It might not be necessary or even necessary to replace a window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A leaky seal can be fixed with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Many homeowners do not want to remove the window frame in order to repair these issues. Many homeowners decide to work with a professional due to these reasons.
A specialist can assist in restoring windows with sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to put in a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To begin a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Place the hardware in a secure place. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install the upper sash.
Repair
It is important for the homeowner to decide whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide numerous benefits, the original features of an older home give personality and value to the home and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This could result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and should be left to a professional. With the right tools and knowledge it is possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Then, pull out the cords or chains on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a hidden cavity and anchored by rope. To stop the sash falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.
To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.