Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little attention can often restore them to a top level of performance.
First, cut off the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. The hardware should be stored in a container with the label.
Sealing
Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot, and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
The gaps between sash and frame are the primary source of drafts. They can also cause rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Different methods can be employed to limit air leaks within a sash window, including sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is a common problem. This can result in the leaking of moisture the wood, rotting and the growth of mould. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
If a gap is hindering windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it tends to rip and may alter the look of your window.
It is crucial to measure the entire window opening prior to installing a new sash runners. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail of the meeting and from the bottom of sash down 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 buildings, the gap between sash and frame is usually larger around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to take this into consideration 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 for movement. The strip should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass will be rusty. Also, make sure to use a high quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a range of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. And rotting frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. If you experience any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash however, it can restore your sash's look and functionality to the same level that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by decay. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is the re-glazing process 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 is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to minimize the noise of rattling.
If the need for a new sash arises it 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 particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.
It is crucial to determine whether to replace or repair the damaged window, since each will require a different degree and cost of expertise. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best choice. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working order, deterioration can eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.
It's important to consider the extent of a problem, as it may not be practical to replace an entire window. For example, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem within the sash and is usually able to be resolved without ripping out the whole frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows have a complex design with a lot of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't something that the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.
A specialist can help restore sash windows to their original splendor or even bring them up to current energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. It may also be beneficial to put in a brush pile strip to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To begin a repair take out the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure location. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The decision to repair or replace windows with sash is a crucial one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide numerous benefits however, the original features of an older house give personality and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts and condensation. These problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the window frame and should be left to the professionals. With the right tools and experience, it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Making the window come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, remove the sash at the bottom. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the weights. It's now time to take out the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and secured by rope. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.
When the sashes are untied clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and remove any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the weight that is balancing.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make window repairs Ilford that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.