Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows be prone to a variety of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little attention they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.
First, cut off the paint seal using an utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead, then take the upper sash out by removing chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.
Sealing
Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.
The gaps between sash and frame are the primary source of draughts. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage within a shutter.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This can result in the leaking of moisture, rotting of the wood, and mould growth. The gap can be closed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze could be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the sash's lower edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option, but it is prone to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of a window.
It is crucial to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a good fitting and better operation of the window.
In older structures, the gap between frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws because brass is prone to rust, and the best quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The Sash window is a beautiful historical feature in many homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are common issues. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as along with broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights can all cause problems. When these problems occur it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash however, it can restore the appearance and function to the same standard in its original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by the rot. It also involves 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 put in brush pile weather strips to lessen the rattling and increase insulation.
If a replacement sash is needed It can be made with the same design to match your existing frame. This will maintain the heritage style of your house. This is especially crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they are different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit into the slots of the window frame.
It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each will require a different degree and amount of expertise. If a large part of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be the better option. But in the event that the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. These issues typically point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It's important to consider the extent of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. A glass that is foggy, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can be fixed with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows have a complex design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Many here homeowners do not want to remove the window frame to fix the issues. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.
A professional can help restore windows with sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat loss from 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 start a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the equipment in a secure location. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
It is crucial for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits, the original features of an older house give personality and value to the property and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can help lower energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open, and the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist since it requires extensive dismantling. However, with the right tools and experience it's possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
Remove any security fittings just in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Then, pull out the cords or chains on both sides and knot them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and held by rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords and strip any paint off the sash stops using the help of a utility knife. Once the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.