Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years can have various issues, including draughts and rattles. They may also be poorly constructed to be insulated. A little attention can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.
First, remove the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. The hardware should be stored in a bag that has an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance and could be susceptible to issues like cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing may be used to limit the air leakage in a Sash.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting, and mold growth. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze might be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it is prone to tear and may alter the look of your window.
It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rail that connects it, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a good fit and better operation of the window.
In older buildings, the gap between sash and frame is usually greater around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is important to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow movement. The strip 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 may rust. Also, use Loughton window repairs or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are prone to a myriad of issues. Common problems include rattling, draughts or sticking. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, defective frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. When these problems occur it's time to consider an sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but can bring back the appearance and function to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by decay. 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 is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to prevent rattling.
If a new sash is required, it can be made using similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.
When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between repair or replacement, because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and expense. For example the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass missing then replacement is the best choice. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill has begun to decay and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these issues. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows that go beyond replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
It is crucial to assess the severity of the issue, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. A foggy glass problem, for example is typically caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can be fixed by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. The solution to these issues typically involves taking apart the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.
A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows to their original splendor, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat loss out of the window. It is also possible to install a brush pile strip to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To begin a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Lastly take the sashweights out of the bottom weight cavity. Store the equipment in a secure place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it off with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
The choice to replace or repair a sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features of an older home can provide the character and value. They are also less expensive to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good shape can help reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts, and condensation. These problems can result in increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism that slides can become sloppy or draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the window frame and should be left to a professional. With the right tools and experience it's possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings in front of the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. 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. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity, and supported by an elastic cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and the cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint that is on the sash stop. When the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.