Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to their original performance.
First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. Keep the hardware in a container with a label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings, however they require maintenance and are susceptible to issues like wet rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage inside the shutter.
A common problem is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sash and the sill. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, which can cause rotting and the growth of mold. The gap can be sealed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option however it has a tendency to tear, and can affect the appearance of a window.
It is important to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing the an alternative sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.
In older structures, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut square and placed so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. It is also crucial to make use of stainless steel screws as brass can rust, and the best quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaking are typical issues. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. If you experience any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, but it will improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window as good, if not superior to its original state. Refurbishment involves the lining of both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is 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 put in brush pile weather strip to minimize rattling.
If you require a new sash it can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the character of your house. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash before installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.
window repair near me is important to decide if you want to replace or repair the damaged window, since each choice will require a different degree and cost of knowledge. For instance, if a sash window has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best option. However in the event that the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has begun rotting then a repair will be the better option.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can cause issues such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues usually suggest replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. This includes the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It is crucial to assess the severity of a issue, since it might not be practical to replace an entire window. Foggy glass, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have a lot of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common issues like cracked panes or snapped sash cable. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to take on themselves. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.
A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to install a brush pile strip to stop the rattling and decrease 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 cavity and take them off. Keep the equipment in a secure location. Heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The choice to replace or repair a sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits, the original features of an older home provide personality and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts and condensation. These issues can lead to higher energy bills and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close as the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the window frame and should be left to the professionals. But, with the right tools and know-how it is possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Getting the window to come apart begins by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Take out the sash stops which is a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed inside a cavity and held by a cord. To keep the sash from falling into the void hit it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint off the sash stops using an utility knife. When 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 putting the upper sash first into its track, 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 attach the sash pulleys.