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 a higher level of performance.
First, cut off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and are susceptible to issues such as cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows in sash is a great way to reduce these problems and improve energy efficiency.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialist 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 could cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. The gap can be closed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing easily, it could be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.
It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the meeting rail and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.
In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash as well as the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.
A strip must be cut to the height of the sash, with an extra inch each side to allow to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and placed so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass will rust. Also, use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. Common problems include rattling, draughts or sticking. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as along with broken glazing bars, faulty frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. When these issues arise, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself but it will restore the look and function of your sash window as good if not better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by decay. It also includes 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent rattling.
If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed using similar designs to the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows need planning permission.
Before you put the new window in place, it's best to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the slots of the window frame.
It is crucial to determine whether to replace or repair the damaged window, since each will require a different degree and level of expertise. For instance when a sash window has a large chunk of glass missing, a replacement will be the best option. 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
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows 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 practical to replace an entire window. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a weak seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and have many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. The solution to these issues typically involves taking apart the window frame, which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with an expert.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from getting out of the window. It may also be beneficial to install a brush pile strip to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To begin a repair take out the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
It is essential for homeowners to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages however, the original features of a home that was built earlier add authenticity and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become sloppy or draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive dismantling of the window frame, so it's best left to professionals. However, with window repairs and experience, it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Getting the window to come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. Now it's time to remove 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 can be pulled back to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it with a nail and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife, remove any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-attach the sash pulley axles.