Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows may be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little attention they can be repaired to a high level of performance.
First, remove the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a bag with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, however they require care. They can be affected by issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger rattles and reduce sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to stop air leaks from windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is frequent. This can cause moisture leaking in and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it can rip, and it can affect the appearance of windows.
It is essential to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the an alternative sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can later be transferred to new runners which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.
In older structures, the gap between frame and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to take this into consideration when cutting and measuring material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut square and placed in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws since brass can rust and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant and historic feature of many homes. They are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. If you encounter any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard in its original condition. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by decay. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as re-glazing using 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 a new sash is required 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 especially important for listed properties where any changes to windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the slots of the window frame.
It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each choice will require a different degree and cost of knowledge. If a significant portion of the glass in a sash is missing replacing it would be the better alternative. However, if the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill has been decaying, a repair may be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good shape, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues usually suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. But there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
Take note of the severity of the problem. It may not be necessary or even appropriate to replace the window. For example, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem within the sash and can usually be solved without ripping out the whole frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues like broken panes or sash cables that have snapped. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle on their own. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glass to stop 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 the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. 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
The decision to repair or replace a sash window is an important one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages but the original features of an older home add character and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help reduce the energy cost. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This could result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window sash to a professional, as they require extensive removal. However, with the right tools and experience, it is possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Getting the window to come apart begins by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. 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. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew window repairs near me (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity and is held by cords. To stop the sash falling into the void pierce it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then using a utility knife, remove any paint from the sash stop. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.