Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows may be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. A little attention can often bring them back to a top level of performance.
First, cut off the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a bag that has the label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings, however they require maintenance and are susceptible to issues 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.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may all be used to minimize the air leakage in the Sash.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is frequent. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting, and mold growth. The gap can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.
If a gap in the window is preventing windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.
When replacing sash runners, it is important to measure the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fitting and better operation of the window.
In older structures there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is crucial to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws, as brass can rust, and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. Also, rotting frames, connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. When these problems occur it's time for a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash however, it can restore your sash's look and function to the same level as its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as re-glazing using 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 put in brush pile weather strips to reduce rattling and improve insulation.
If a new sash is required, it can be made using similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep 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 of the new window with the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit into the slots of the window frame.
If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, because each kind of work will require a different level of expertise and expense. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be better.
Replacement
While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually result in problems like rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these problems. But there are ways to improve sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
Think about the scope of the problem. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace windows. For instance, a fogging glass issue is usually a problem within the sash and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. The solution to these issues typically involves taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners want to tackle themselves. Many homeowners opt to engage a professional for these reasons.
A professional can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from shaking.
To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull the lower window sash. Remove the chains or cords on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features of an older house can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional, as it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to repair an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. window repairs is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity and is held by cords. To keep the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting the weight that is balancing.
To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.
