Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows may suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little effort they can be restored to a higher level of performance.
First, remove the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. Store the hardware in a bag with the label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and can be subject to issues such as wet rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also cause rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Different methods can be employed to limit air leaks within the sash window, such as sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is a common problem. This can result in the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be required if a gap prevents the windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option however it is prone to tear, and can affect the appearance of windows.
When installing replacement sash runners it is essential to measure the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a good fit and a better performance of the window.
In older buildings the gap between the frame and sash is typically larger around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut square and placed so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and the best quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The windows with sash are a stunning and historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are susceptible to problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as and broken glazing bars, damaged weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. When these problems occur it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash itself however, it can improve the appearance and functionality 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 then repairing any damage caused by the rot. 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 is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.
If a replacement sash needed It can be made with the same design to match your old frame. This will help preserve the style and character of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.
Before you put the new window in It is recommended to check the metal tabs against the tabs on the old sash (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.
If a window has been damaged, it is crucial to decide between replacement or repair, because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and expense. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be the better alternative. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.
Replacement
While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can cause issues such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. But there are ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, including installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
Think about the scope of the issue. It may not be necessary or suitable to replace the window. A foggy glass problem, for example is typically caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing 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 replacing it.
Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and have lots of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. Many homeowners do not want to take apart the window frame to fix these problems. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.
A professional can help restore sash windows to their original splendor or even bring them up to modern energy standards. window repairs can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat from the window. It can also be helpful to put in a brush pile strip, to stop rattling and reduce drafts.
To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Lastly, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and install the upper sash.
Repair
It is essential for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older home can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help lower energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals because it requires a lot of dismantling. However, with the right tools and know-how it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
The process of bringing the window apart starts with the removal of any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights attached. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a hidden cavity and secured by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. After the sashes have been put returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid cutting the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and then reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the sash pulley axles.