Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years can have various issues that include rattles and draughts. They may also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. With a little effort they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.
First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop using the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. Store the hardware in a bag with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, however they require care. They are susceptible to 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.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage in the sash.
A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting and the growth of mold. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze could be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening effortlessly. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, however it tends to rip and can detract the appearance of your window.
It is essential to measure the entire window opening before installing an alternative sash runner. It is best to measure 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 incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a good fitting and better operation of the window.
In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strips, but it is essential to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.
A piece of material should be cut to the height of the sash. There should be an extra inch each side to allow to allow movement. It should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, as brass can rust, and the best 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 problems. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaks are all common problems. Rotting frames and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, defective frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash but it will restore your sash's look and function to the same level that it was in its original form. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty, and then repairing any rot damage. It also involves 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 reduce the noise of rattling.
If the need for a new sash arises the frame can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows need planning permission.
Before you put the new window in, it's best to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the old sash (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit properly into the slots of the window frame.
If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement because each kind of work will involve a different level of expertise and price. For example when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing then replacement is the best choice. If window repairs near me is damaged in a small area or a sill is beginning to rot, then a repair would be better.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, however deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues typically suggest replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
Take note of the severity of the problem. It might not be necessary or appropriate to replace windows. For instance, a fogging glass issue is usually a problem in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. A weak seal can often be corrected with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are quite complex in design and have many moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to fix common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. The majority of homeowners don't want disassemble the window frame to repair these issues. This is why many opt to hire a professional.
A professional can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat out of the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from squealing.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure position. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it away using a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
It is crucial for homeowners to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older home add authenticity and value to the property and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are prone to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track 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 knowledge 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, you can remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight which is a heavy lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a hidden cavity and held by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash cords or chains and then install the sash pulleys.