Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years may have a variety of problems, including draughts and rattles. They may also be inefficiently insulation. A little care can often bring them back to their original performance.
First, take off the paint seal using 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 bag that has an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance. window repair are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.
The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also trigger rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage within a shutter.
A common problem is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sash and the sill. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting, and mold growth. The gap can be sealed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be necessary if a gap prevents the windows from opening and shutting easily. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges in order to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it is prone to tear and may alter the look of your window.
When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to take full measurements 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 later be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.
In older buildings, the gap between frames and sash is typically greater around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting material.
The strip should be cut at the height of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be prone to problems. Draughts, rattling or leaking are common issues. Frames that are rotting and rails that connect them, as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If you encounter any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash itself, however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window to as good, if not better than its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. It also includes re-painting the timber frame and re-glazing 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 install brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.
If a replacement sash required it can be constructed using the same design to match your existing frame. This will preserve the style and character of your home. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any changes to windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window with those of the old sash before installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit in the window frame slots.
If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For instance when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing, replacement is the best choice. However in the event that the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill has begun damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only sensible solution. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.
Think about the scope of the problem. It may not be necessary or suitable to replace windows. A foggy glass problem, for example is typically 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 are surprisingly complicated in their design and come with many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to remedy some common problems such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. Many homeowners decide to work with a professional due to these reasons.
A specialist can help restore windows made of sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat loss from the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from rattling.
To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is an important one for homeowners. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits, the original features of a home that was built earlier provide character and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist since it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to start:
Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, take out the bottom sash. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides, and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity and is held by cords. To prevent the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
Once the sashes are free Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords and strip any paint from the sash stops with an utility knife. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.