Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often bring them back to a top level of performance.
First, remove the seal on the paint of the window stop using an utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead, then take the upper sash out, taking off chains or cords, and then storing the equipment in a bag labeled.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require maintenance and could be susceptible to problems like cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them the windows, repairing or sealing them.
The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary source of draughts. They can also cause noise reduction and rattle. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.
A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can lead to moisture leaking in and rotting of the wood and growth of mould. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, but it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.
It is essential to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.
In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass will rust. Also, use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a variety of problems. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotted frames and the rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If you experience any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is a more expensive alternative than replacing the sash itself, however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to the same or superior to its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty and fixing any rot 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the noise of rattling.
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 character of your house. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows need planning permission.
Before putting the new window on before installing it, make sure you check the metal tabs against those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit into the slots of the window frame.
It's important to decide whether to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each choice will require a different degree and level of expertise. For example when a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing, a replacement will be the best choice. But when the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill is damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
It is crucial to assess the severity of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a more info foggy glass issue usually occurs within the sash itself and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix 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 a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to remedy some common problems such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. For these reasons, many opt to hire a professional.
A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. You can also install an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from squealing.
To start a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure location. The heat gun will soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
It is essential for homeowners to make a decision on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older home can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Keeping them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become dislodged or draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive dismantling of the window frame and should be left to professionals. However, with the right tools and experience, it is possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and supported by cords. To keep the sash from falling into the void, hit it with nails and remove 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 using the help of a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the weight that is balancing.
Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and then re-attach the sash pulley axles.