Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with a variety of problems, including draughts and rattles. They might also be poorly constructed to be insulated. With a little effort they can be restored to a high level of performance.
First, take off the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a container with a label.
Sealing
Sash windows are gorgeous in older structures, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve the efficiency of energy.
The gaps between sash and frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also cause rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage within the sash.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is a common problem. This can lead to moisture leaking in, rotting wood and the growth of mold. The gap can be filled by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it tends to rip and can detract the appearance of your window.
It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing the replacement sash runner. It is best 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 be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.
In older structures the gap between frame and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring the material.
A strip must be cut to the height of the sash. There should be an additional inch to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned to match the angle of the sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and the best quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is an attractive historic feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. Frames that are rotting and rails that connect them, as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If these issues occur, it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash, however, it can restore the look and function of your sash window the same or better than the original condition. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any rot-related damage. 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 fit brush pile weather strips to lessen rattling and improve insulation.
If a new sash is needed, it can be made using the same style to match your old frame. This will preserve the style and character of your home. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.
Before putting the new window in before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.
It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each choice will require a different level and cost of expertise. For instance when a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing, replacement is the best choice. However in the event that the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill is rotting then a repair will be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass can also occur. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other options to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.
Take note of the severity of the issue. It might not be necessary or necessary to replace windows. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and can usually be solved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows are a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to fix common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to disassemble the window frame in order to fix these problems. Many homeowners decide to hire a specialist for these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glass to prevent heat from getting out of the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from shaking.
To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Store the hardware in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
It is crucial for homeowners to decide whether to repair or replace their sash windows. While modern replacements provide numerous benefits but the original features of an older house give authenticity and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are prone 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 open and close and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the window frame and is best left to the professionals. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to start:
The process of bringing the window apart begins by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the weights attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Take out the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a heavy iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed inside a hidden compartment and anchored by a rope. To prevent window repair falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and sacrifice the weight.
When the sashes are untied Clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using the help of a utility knife. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid cutting the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.