Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little care can often bring them back to their original performance.
First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop using the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a container with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance and can be subject to issues such as cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing.
A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can lead to moisture leaking in and rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze could be required in the event that a gap blocks windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it tends to rip and may alter the look of your window.
When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.
In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is essential to consider this when cutting and measuring material.
A piece of material should be cut to the length of the sash. There should be an additional inch to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass may be rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are typical issues. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could create a mess. If you experience any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be a more costly 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 the original condition. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting of the timber frame 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). Finally, it's recommended to fit brush pile weather strips to reduce the rattling and increase insulation.
If a new sash is required, it can be made 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 changes to the windows require planning permission.
Before putting the new window on, it's best to compare its metal tabs to those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.
If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and price. For instance, if a sash window has a large piece of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best option. However, if the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues typically suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. But there are ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, including installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.
Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or necessary to replace a window. A glass that is foggy, for example is typically caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows are extremely complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to remedy some common problems such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves removal of the window frame which isn't something that the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with modern 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 put in a brush pile strip to stop rattling and reduce drafts.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Then take the sashweights out of the bottom cavity of the weight. Store the hardware in a safe place. Use a heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a major one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits, the original features of an older home give personality and value to the property and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be difficult to open and close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or become draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window sash to a professional since it requires extensive dismantling. But, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to start:
Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides and knot them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's now time to take out the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Unscrew window repair to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and anchored by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the 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 necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and re-install the sash pulley axles.