Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to a high standard of performance.
First, take off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require care. They are susceptible to issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage within the shutter.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can result in the leaking of moisture the wood, rotting and the growth of mould. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option, but it has a tendency to tear and make a difference to the appearance of a window.
When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail that connects them and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.
In older structures there is a greater gap between the sash and frame on the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting material.
The strip should be cut at the height of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws since brass can rust and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a beautiful historical feature of a lot of homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are prone to a range of issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Rotting frames and rails that connect them, as well as broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but can restore your sash's look and function to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves re-painting the frame of timber 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 prevent rattling.
If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made from similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash before installing it (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.
If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement because each type of work will require a different level of expertise and price. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good order, deterioration can eventually cause problems such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. These include the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It is important to determine the severity of a issue, since it might not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. A foggy glass problem for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows have a complex design with a lot of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. Because of this, many opt to hire a professional.
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 fitting secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping through the window. It may also be beneficial to add a brush pile strip to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and put back the upper sash.
Repair
The decision to repair or replace windows with sash is a major one for homeowners. Although modern replacements offer numerous benefits, the original features of an older house add authenticity and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can lower energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window sash to a professional, as they require extensive removal. But, with the right tools and experience it is possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Then, pull out the cords or chains on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Take out window repairs near me which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and held by cords. To stop the sash from falling into the void, you must pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid cutting the weight that is balancing.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and then reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.