Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can suffer from a range of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. With a little attention they can be restored to a higher level of performance.
First, remove the seal on the paint of the window stop using a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a container with a label.
Sealing
Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and are susceptible to problems like wet rot, cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage within a sash.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This can cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood, and mold growth. The gap can be closed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze might be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening smoothly. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to stop sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it tends to rip and can alter the appearance of your window.
It is crucial to measure the entire window opening before installing new sash runners. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on the meeting rail and from the bottom 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 there is a greater gap between the sash and frame around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into account when measuring and cutting material.
A piece of material should be cut to the length of the sash, and with an additional inch on each side for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also important to make use of stainless steel screws since brass can rust and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The Sash window is a beautiful and historic feature of many homes. They are beautiful however they are susceptible to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, stuck or draughty windows. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glass bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. If you encounter any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good, if not better than its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as 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 is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.
If a replacement sash required it can be constructed using the same style to match the frame you have. This will maintain the style and character of your house. This is especially crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.
It is crucial to determine whether to replace or repair a damaged window, as each will require a different degree and cost of knowledge. For instance when a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be more appropriate.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, deterioration could eventually result in problems like rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues typically lead to a replacement as the only logical solution. But there are ways to improve sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.
Consider the extent of the problem. It might not be necessary or suitable to replace the window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without having to tear out the entire frame. A poor seal can also be fixed with a few simple fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are a complicated design that has many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. The solution to these issues typically involves removal of the window frame which isn't something that most homeowners would want to tackle on their own. For these reasons, many choose to work with a specialist.
Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat loss through the window. It can also be helpful to install an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling and reduce drafts.
To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Next, remove the staff bead and pull out the lower 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 location. Use a heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
The choice to replace or repair the sash window is an important one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older home provide authenticity and value to the home and are usually cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The mechanism for sliding could become sloppy or even draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of a window with sash door repairs to a specialist because they require extensive removal. With the right tools and skills it's possible to fix an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in such a way that they won't be pulled back by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any painted-covered hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and secured by a cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and sash cords. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first into its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.