Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows may suffer from a range of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. A little care can often restore them to a top level of performance.
First, cut off the paint seal using an utility knife. Then remove the staff bead, then remove the upper sash, taking off cords or chains and storing equipment in a bag labeled.
Sealing
Sash windows look stunning in older buildings, but they require regular maintenance. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.
The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. There are a variety of methods to limit air leaks within windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing.
A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sill and the sash. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and growth of mold. The gap can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace sash runners or spring bronze. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle, and they are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it is prone to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.
It is crucial to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing a replacement sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.
In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame at the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof by a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is important to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.
A strip should be cut to the width of the sash. There should be an additional inch each side to allow to allow movement. It should be cut to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may get rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling or leaking are common issues. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as well as broken glazing bars, defective weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash, but it will bring back the appearance and function of your sash window the same or superior to its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame 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 install brush pile weather strip to prevent the rattling.
If a replacement sash is required, it can be made using the same style to match the frame you have. This will maintain the traditional style of your home. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows will require planning permission.
Before you put the new window in, it's best to check the metal tabs against the tabs on the old sash (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit in the window frame slots.
If a window is damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement because each kind of work will require a different level of expertise and price. For instance when a sash window has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best option. But, if the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is rotting then a repair will be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, but it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. This is why it's often the only solution to these problems. There are other options to improve sash window performance other than replacing them. This includes installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It is important to determine the extent of a issue, since it might not be practical to replace an entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and is usually able to be resolved without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows are extremely complicated in their design and come with lots of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to fix common issues, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves removal of the window frame which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat loss from the window. It can also be helpful to put in a brush pile strip to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.
To begin a repair take out the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and take them off. Store Sidcup double glazing in a secure place. Use a heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing a sash window is an important one for homeowners. Modern replacements offer many advantages, but the original features in an older home can provide character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Keeping them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts and condensation. These problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open or close. The sliding mechanism may become dislodged or even draughty. It is recommended to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist because it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and knowledge, it is possible for you to repair old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
The process of bringing the window apart begins with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides and knot them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a hidden cavity and secured 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 as well as the rails that meet. 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 put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.
Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.