Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with various issues, including draughts and rattles. They could also be poorly insulated. With a little attention, they can be restored to a high level of performance.
First, take off the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag that has a label.
Sealing
Sash windows are gorgeous in older structures, but they require regular maintenance. They are susceptible to issues like wet-rot, cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows in sash is a great way to reduce these problems and improve the efficiency of energy.
The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of draughts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.
A common problem is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sash and the sill. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it, and mold growth. The gap can be sealed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from opening and shutting smoothly. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it is prone to tear and detract from the appearance of a window.
When installing replacement runners for sash, it is important to measure the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.
In older structures the gap between frame and sash is typically larger around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut at the height of the sash and with an inch extra 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. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, as brass can rust, and high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, draughts or sticking. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. If these issues occur, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself, but it can restore the look and function of your sash window as good if not better than the original condition. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.
If you require a new sash it can be constructed from similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications to windows require planning permission.
Before Hemel Hempstead double glazing put the new window on It is recommended to examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash won't fit correctly into the window frame slots.
When a window is damaged it is crucial to decide between replacement or repair, since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and cost. For instance the case of a sash windows that has a large chunk of glass missing then replacement is the best choice. But in the event that the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill is decaying, a repair may be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass is also a possibility to occur. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other ways to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. These include the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or necessary to replace the window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be corrected with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows feature a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be difficult to remedy some common problems, like snapped sash cords or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires removal of the window frame which isn't something that the majority of homeowners would like to tackle on their own. Many homeowners choose to work with a professional due to these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to add a brush pile strip to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights from bottom of the cavity and remove them. Store the hardware in a secure location. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and put back the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing a sash window is a major one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide numerous benefits however, the original features of a home that was built earlier give character and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can also reduce energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can lead to higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track, or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window with sash to a specialist because it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and experience it is possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings that are behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the bottom sash. Then, take the cords or chains on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached. It's now time to take out the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed, a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any hardware that has been painted. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity, and supported by cords. To keep the sash from falling into the void, hit it with nails and remove the weight.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and sash cords. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are aligned properly. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.