Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years old can be afflicted with various issues that include rattles and draughts. They might also be poorly insulated. A little attention can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.
First, remove the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a container with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance. They are susceptible to issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them.
The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage in a Sash.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is an issue that is frequent. This can cause water leaking into the wood and rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be sealed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be necessary if a gap prevents the windows from closing and opening effortlessly. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges in order to prevent the rattling of the sides. 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 take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing a replacement sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.
In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash and frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.
A piece of material should be cut to the height of the sash. There should be an additional inch each side to allow to allow movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can rust. Also, make sure you use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are susceptible to problems. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Also, rotting frames, connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself, but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to the same or better than its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any rot-related damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is the re-glazing process 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). It's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the rattling.
If the need for a new sash arises the frame can be constructed from similar designs to the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows will require planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If they are different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the slots of the window frame.
It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace the damaged window, since each choice will require a different degree and amount of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be an alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these problems. But there are ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, such as installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.
Consider the extent of the issue. It might not be necessary or suitable to replace windows. A glass that is foggy, for example, is usually caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be remedied by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners would want to take on themselves. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.
A specialist can assist in restoring windows made of sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat from the window. It can also be helpful to add a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.
To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally take the sashweights out of the bottom cavity of the weight. Place the hardware in a secure location. Heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
The decision to repair or replace windows with sash is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features of an older home can provide character and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These issues can lead to higher energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist, as it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Getting the window to come apart starts by removing any security fittings that are 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 the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's 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. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by rope. To stop 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 as well as meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and the cords of the sash. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.
To reassemble the sash place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and then reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.