Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows be prone to a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and inadequate insulation. With a little attention they can be restored to a high level of performance.
First, cut off the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a bag with the label.
Sealing
Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings, however they require maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.
The gaps between sash frame are the main source of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage in the shutter.
A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood, and mold growth. The gap can be sealed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.
If a gap is hindering the windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it tends to rip and can detract the appearance of your window.
When installing replacement sash runners it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to measure 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 fitting and better operation of the window.
In older buildings the gap between the frames and sash is typically larger around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but 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, with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned in accordance with the angle of the sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, as brass can rust, and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The windows with sash are a stunning historical feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaks are all common problems. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can create a mess. When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash but can bring back the appearance and functionality to the same level that it was in its original form. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any damage caused by rot. It also includes 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 put in brush pile weather strips in order to minimize rattling and improve insulation.
If you require a new sash, it can be made from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain the character of your house. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes made to the windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window with the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit in the window frame slots.
It is crucial to determine whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each choice will require a different level and amount of knowledge. For instance, if a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing then replacement is the best choice. However, if the glass has been damaged in one small section or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why it's often the only solution to these problems. However, there are other 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 feasible to replace a complete window. For instance, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't something that the majority of homeowners would like to tackle on their own. This is why many choose to work with an expert.
A specialist can assist in restoring windows with sash back to their original glory, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat escaping out of the window. Berkhamsted double glazing repair can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from rattling.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away using the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
It is important for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features in an older house can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This could result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close as the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals since it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and experience it is possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, take out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Take out the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity and is held by a cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and the sash cords. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint from the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the weight of the balancing.
To reassemble the sash place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers 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.