Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. With a little care they can be repaired to their original performance.
First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop using the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag that has the label.
Sealing
Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require maintenance. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit the air leakage in the Sash.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is an issue that is frequent. This can cause moisture leaking in, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be necessary if a gap prevents the windows from closing and opening easily. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it tends to rip and can detract the appearance of your window.
When installing replacement sash runners It is crucial to measure the window opening. It is recommended 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 be transferred to new runners that will ensure the best fit and function of the window.
In older buildings the gap between the sash and frame is usually greater around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into account when measuring and cutting material.
A piece of material should be cut to the height of the sash. There should be an extra inch for movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may get rusty. Also, use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. They are beautiful but they can also be prone to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Also, rotting frames, meeting 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 is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash, but it will restore the appearance and functionality to the same level as its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash boxes with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. 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). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strips to lessen rattle and increase insulation.
If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame that was previously used and keep the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Compare 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 window frame slots.
It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each option will require a different level and cost of knowledge. For example, if a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing, replacing it is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is rotting, then a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
While many homeowners are keen to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can result in problems like rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. These issues often point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other options to improve sash window performance rather than replacing them. This includes installing 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. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is usually possible to repair a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are extremely complicated in their design and come with many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common issues like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.
A professional can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping from the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from shaking.
To begin a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and install the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a crucial one for homeowners. Although modern replacements offer many advantages, the original features of an older home add personality and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can help lower the energy cost. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This could result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become dislodged or draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the frame of the window, so it's best left to a professional. With the right tools and know-how, it is possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights attached. It's now time to take out the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity and is supported by an elastic cord. To keep the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the sash cords. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough repairs to upvc doors (www.Repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk) prevent puncturing the weight that is balancing.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the beads for parting if necessary. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and re-install the axles for the sash pulleys.