Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little care can often restore them to a high standard of performance.
First, remove the seal of paint using an 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 that has an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older structures, but they require maintenance. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve the efficiency of energy.
The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may all be used to reduce the air leakage within a sash.
A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be necessary if a gap prevents the windows from closing and opening easily. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option but it can tear and make a difference to the appearance of a window.
When installing replacement runners for sash It is crucial to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline 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 proper fitting and better operation of the window.
In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into account when measuring and cutting material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. The strip should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can rust. Also, use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful, but they can be prone to problems. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. The rotted frames and the rails that meet, as and broken glazing bars, damaged weights or rotten frames can cause issues. When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good, if not superior to its original state. Refurbishment involves the lining of the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. It also includes re-painting the timber frame 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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to lessen rattle and increase insulation.
If you require a new sash, it can be made from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Before you put the new window in place It is recommended to examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit properly into the slots of the window frame.
It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each will require a different degree and level of knowledge. For instance, if a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best choice. However in the event that the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has been decaying, a repair may be the better option.
Replacement
While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually result in problems like rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues usually suggest replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other methods to improve sash window performance than simply replacing them. They can be improved by the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
Consider the extent of the issue. It might not be necessary or necessary to replace windows. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be remedied by making a few minor adjustments rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are a complicated design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to remedy some common problems, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want remove the window frame in order to fix these problems. Because of this, many choose to work with a professional.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping from the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from rattling.
To begin a repair, take off the window stops. ( repair double glazed windows that are in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Use a heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
It is important for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways 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 can reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts and condensation. These issues can lead to higher energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism for sliding could be slack or even draughty. It is 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's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's now time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity and is held by cords. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and sacrifice the weight.
Once the sashes are free, clean out the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.