Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little care, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.
First, take off the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. Store the hardware in a container with the label.
Sealing
Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require maintenance. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also trigger noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. 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 common. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. The gap can be filled by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be required in the event that a gap blocks windows from opening and shutting easily. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option however it has a tendency to tear, and can make a difference to the appearance of a window.
It is crucial to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline of 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 help ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.
In older structures, the gap between sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to account for 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 on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed squarely 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 the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a variety of problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, draughts or sticking. And rotting frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. If these issues occur, it's time for repairs or replacements to 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 as good, if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strips to reduce rattle and increase insulation.
If window repair for a new sash arises it can be constructed using similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the character of your house. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications to windows require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash prior installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash will not fit properly into the slots of the window frame.
When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and cost. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be a better option. However, if the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill has begun decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. These issues often point to an inevitable replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other methods to improve sash window performance than simply replacing them. This includes the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It's important to consider the severity of the issue, since it might not be feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal using a couple of simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are extremely complicated in their design and come with many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to disassemble the window frame in order to repair these issues. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.
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 out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from shaking.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Then, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
It is crucial for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages, the original features of a home that was built earlier add authenticity and value to the home and are generally less expensive to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or even draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window, so it's best 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:
Getting the window to come apart begins by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and anchored by a rope. To stop the sash falling into the void pierce it with nails and remove the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as meet rails. Remove the glazing bars as well as the sash cords. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to damage 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 aligned properly with the frame, and then reattach the beads that separate if required. Finally, reattach the sash chains or cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.