Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of issues including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little care, they can be restored to their original performance.
First, remove the seal of paint using an utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead, then take the upper sash out, taking off cords or chains and storing hardware in a bag marked.
Sealing
Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and are susceptible to issues such as cracked putty, wet rot, and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage within a shutter.
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, rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be filled with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.
If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it is prone to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.
When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.
In older structures the gap between the frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into account when measuring and cutting material.
A strip must be cut to the height of the sash, with an additional inch each side to allow to allow for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass will get rusty. Also, make sure you use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The windows with sash are a stunning, historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty windows like sash windows can be prone to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaks are all common problems. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glass bars, or damaged weights could create a mess. If you encounter any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself but it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window to the same or better than the original condition. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. 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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips in order to minimize the rattling and increase insulation.
If a replacement sash required, it can be made using the same style to match your existing frame. This will help preserve the traditional style of your house. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.
Before putting the new window in, it's best to examine its metal tabs with those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they are different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the window frame slots.
It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each option will require a different level and cost of knowledge. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be a better option. However in the event that the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill is damaged, a repair would be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only sensible solution. But there are ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
It's important to consider the severity of a issue, since it might not be feasible to replace a complete window. For example, a foggy glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and can usually be solved without ripping out the whole frame. A poor seal can also often be remedied by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to fix common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Many homeowners do not want to disassemble the window frame to fix these problems. This is why many homeowners choose to work with an expert.
Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat loss out of the window. It may also be beneficial to put in a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.
To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Then remove the sashweights from the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a safe position. Soften any old filler or hardened putty by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a major one for homeowners. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features in an older home can add the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good shape can lower energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these issues can lead to higher cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and should be left to the professionals. With the right tools and skills it's possible to fix an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead and 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 attached weights. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Remove Solihull double glazing (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity and is supported by a cord. To prevent the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint off the sash stops with the help of a utility knife. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the balancing.
To reassemble the sash place the top sash on its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are in the correct alignment with the frame, and reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.