Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows be prone to a variety of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. A little care can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.
First, remove the seal of paint from the window stop with the knife of a utility. Then remove the staff bead and remove the upper sash and remove the chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, however they require regular maintenance. They are susceptible to problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.
The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage inside the sash.
A common problem is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can result in moisture leaking in the wood, rotting, and mould growth. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary if a gap prevents windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it is prone to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.
When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners, which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.
In older structures the gap between sash and frame is usually greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.
A strip should be cut to the height of the sash, and with an additional inch each side to allow to allow movement. It should be cut square and placed 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 windows with sash are a stunning historical feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Common issues include rattling draughts or sticking. Rotting frames and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames, or rotten weights are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, but it can restore the look and function of your sash window to as good, if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. It also involves re-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 install brush pile weather strip to minimize the noise of rattling.
If a replacement sash needed it can be constructed using the same design to match your existing frame. This will maintain the traditional style of your property. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows need planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit into the window frame slots.
It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each choice will require a different degree and cost of knowledge. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best choice. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is rotting, then a repair would be better.
Replacement
While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
Think about the scope of the problem. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace the window. For example, a foggy glass issue usually occurs within the sash and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. A weak seal can be fixed by window repairs making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues like broken panes or snapped sash cables. The majority of homeowners don't want take apart the window frame to fix these problems. This is why many opt to hire a specialist.
A specialist can help restore sash windows back to their original glory or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.
To begin the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Finally take the sashweights out of the bottom cavity of the weight. Place the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it off with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older home can add the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good shape will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become dislodged or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist because it requires extensive removal. However, with the right tools and experience it's possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Making the window come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint from the sash stops using a utility knife. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash cords or chains and then install the sash pulleys.