Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years may have various issues such as rattles and draughts. They could also be inefficiently insulated. A little care can often bring them back to their original performance.
First, knock off the seal of paint from the window stop using a utility knife. Then, remove the staff bead, then take the upper sash out and remove the cords or chains and storing equipment in a bag labeled.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require maintenance. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.
The gaps between sash frame are the main source of draughts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit the air leakage inside the shutter.
A common problem is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can result in moisture leaking in, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.
If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option but it can tear, and can make a difference to the appearance of a window.
When replacing sash runners it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of 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 transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a proper fit and a better performance of the window.
In older structures the gap between the frame and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws, as brass can rust, and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a variety of problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, draughts or sticking. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glass bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. When these problems occur it's time to consider an 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. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is 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 fit brush pile weather strips to lessen rattling and improve insulation.
If a new sash is required, it can be made using similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.
Before you put the new window in place, it's best to check the metal tabs against those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit properly into the window frame slots.
It's important to decide whether to replace or repair the damaged window, since each option will require a different degree and level of expertise. For example, if a sash window has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best choice. If window repair near me is damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay, then a repair would be better.
Replacement
While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these problems. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
It is important to determine the extent of a problem, as it may not be feasible to replace a complete window. A foggy glass problem for instance, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is usually possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows are a complicated design that has many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common problems like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't something that most homeowners would want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners decide to engage a professional for these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from rattling.
To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it away with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The decision to repair or replace a sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features in an older home can add authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and is best left to the professionals. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and tie the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a large iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and held by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using nails and remove the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.