Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have many issues, including draughts and rattles. They could also be inefficiently insulation. With a little care they can be repaired to a high level of performance.
First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop with an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. The hardware should be stored in a container with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and are susceptible to issues like wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.
The gaps between sash frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Different methods can be employed to stop air leaks from the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing.
A common problem is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can lead to moisture leaking in and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. The gap can be closed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They are available from DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option, but it has a tendency to rip, and it can affect the appearance of windows.
When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to take full measurements of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners that will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.
In older buildings the gap between the frame and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is important to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut at the height of the sash with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can be rusty. Also, make sure to use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a variety of problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as along with broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If you encounter any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, however, it can restore your sash's look and function to the same standard as its original state. window repairs involves lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. It also includes 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 is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to prevent the rattling.
If you require a new sash, it can be made from similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any changes to the windows require planning permission.
Before you put the new window in place It is recommended to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes the new sash may not fit into the window frame slots.
If a window has been damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and cost. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, then replacing it will be a better alternative. However when the glass is damaged in a tiny section or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.
Replacement
While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, such as installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
It's important to consider the severity of the problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. Foggy glass, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be corrected with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't something that the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. Many homeowners choose to work with a professional due to these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping through the window. You can also install an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from rattling.
To begin a repair start by removing the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the equipment in a secure place. Use a heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
It is important for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features of an older house can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help lower the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts and condensation. These issues can lead to higher costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become sloppy or draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals because they require extensive removal. With the right tools and experience it's possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's now time to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and secured by a cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and 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 small enough not to damage the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.