Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have a variety of problems such as rattles and draughts. They might also be poorly constructed to be insulated. A little bit of care can often bring them back to their original performance.
First, remove the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag with a label.
Sealing
Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracked putty, wet rot and drafts. 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 the sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage in a Sash.
A common issue 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 cause the leaking of moisture and rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be sealed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it is prone to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.
When installing replacement runners for sash, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom 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 can be draught-proofed using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into account when cutting and measuring material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and placed to match the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can be rusty. Also, use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is an attractive historic feature in many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are common issues. The rotting of frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is a more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself but it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window to the same or better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as 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). It's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the rattling.
If you require a new sash, it can be made using similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows need planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit into the window frame slots.
If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement because each kind of work will require a different level of expertise and cost. If window repairs of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it is the better option. But when the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can cause issues such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues often point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, such as installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
It's important to consider the extent of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace a complete window. For example, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem within the sash and is usually able to be resolved without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can be fixed by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows feature a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. The majority of homeowners don't want take apart the window frame to repair these issues. For these reasons, many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.
A specialist can help restore windows with sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat escaping through the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from rattling.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then take the sashweights out of the bottom weight cavity. Keep 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. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is an important one for homeowners. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features in an older home can provide character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can lead to higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the frame of the window and should be left to a professional. However, with the right tools and knowledge it's possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Getting the window to come apart starts by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and secured by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and then 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 off the sash stops with an utility knife. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the weight that is balancing.
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 that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.