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 attention they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.
First, take off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag that has an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues such as cracked putty, wet rot, and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing the windows, repairing or sealing them.
The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of draughts. They can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to stop air leaks from the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This can cause the leaking of moisture, rotting of the wood, and mould growth. 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 necessary in the event that a gap blocks windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.
When replacing sash runners it is essential to take full measurements of the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of 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 good fit and a better performance of the window.
In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.
A strip must be cut to the length of the sash, and with an additional inch for movement. It should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. But despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Common problems include rattling, draughts or sticking. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. If you experience any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard as its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any rot damage. It also involves re-painting the frame with timber and reglazing 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). It's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent the rattling.
If a new sash is required It can be made using the same design to match your existing frame. This will preserve the traditional style of your home. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to the windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit inside the window frame slots.
It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair the damaged window, since each choice will require a different level and amount of knowledge. For instance, if a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best choice. However in the event that the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill is decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why it's often the only option to solve these issues. There are other ways to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. These include the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It is crucial to assess the severity of the issue, since it might not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. Foggy glass, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows feature a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Solving these issues usually requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. For these reasons, many opt to hire an expert.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat loss out of the window. You can also add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from squealing.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords on both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and install the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a crucial one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits but the original features of an older house add personality and value to the home and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help lower the energy cost. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these issues can lead to higher energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become dislodged or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of sash windows to professionals, as they require extensive removal. With the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to fix an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Next, remove window repairs and remove the bottom sash. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's time to take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed Clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and remove any paint from the sash stops with a utility knife. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent puncturing the weight that is balancing.
Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any parting beads. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.