Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little attention, they can be restored to their original performance.
First, take off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. Store the hardware in a container with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require maintenance. 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 the windows, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage inside the Sash.
window repair is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. The gap can be filled with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.
If a gap is hindering the windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in 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 stop sideways rattle, and they can be purchased from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option however it has a tendency to rip, and it can affect the appearance of windows.
It is essential to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing the an alternative sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rails that meet and from the bottom of the 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 wider gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws, as brass can rust, and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is an attractive, historical feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, damaged weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. If you encounter any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, however, it can restore the appearance and function to the same level in its original condition. Refurbishment involves the lining of both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by decay. 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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce rattling and improve insulation.
If you require a new sash it can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the character of your house. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows need planning permission.
Before you put the new window in before installing it, make sure you examine its metal tabs with those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.
When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For example when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing then replacing it is the best choice. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay, then a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues often point to an inevitable replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other ways to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace windows. Foggy glass, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common issues like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame in order to fix the issues. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with a professional.
A specialist can help restore sash windows to their original splendor or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.
To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Lastly, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
The decision to repair or replace windows with sash is an important one for homeowners. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features in an older home can add the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can also lower the energy cost. Sash windows can be prone to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist, as it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and know-how it is possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Making the window come apart starts with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, hit it with nails and remove the weight.
After the sashes have been removed Clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint from the sash stops using the help of a utility knife. After the sashes have been put back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk puncturing the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.