Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have many issues, including draughts and rattles. They might also be poorly constructed to be insulated. With a little attention, they can be restored to a higher level of performance.
First, scrape off the paint seal from the window stop with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag that has a label.
Sealing
window repairs look gorgeous in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and are susceptible to problems like wet rot, cracked putty, and drafts. 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 the sash and frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also cause rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Various methods can be used to stop air leaks from windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing.
A common problem is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sill and the sash. This could cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. The gap can be sealed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze could be required when a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening easily. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option however it can rip, and it can affect the appearance of windows.
It is crucial to take measurements of the entire window opening before installing replacement sash runner. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.
In older buildings, the gap between frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.
A strip must be cut to the width of the sash, with an additional inch each side to allow to allow movement. It should be trimmed to a square shape and then positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, because brass is prone to rust, and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The Sash window is a beautiful and historic feature of many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be susceptible to issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaks are all common problems. Frames that are rotting and rails that connect them, as along with broken glazing bars, defective frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If these issues occur, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.
Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash, however, it can restore your sash's look and function to the same level as its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. It also involves re-painting the timber frame 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 prevent the rattling.
If a new sash is required it can be constructed from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the character of your house. This is especially important for listed buildings where any modifications to windows will require planning permission.
Before you put the new window in before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the old sash (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit properly into the window frame slots.
If a window has been 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 when a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing then replacing it is the best choice. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.
Replacement
Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues 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, beyond simply replacing them, including installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
It's important to consider the severity of a issue, as it may not be feasible to replace the entire window. A foggy glass problem, for example, is usually caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. A leaky seal can often be remedied by a few easy fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are extremely complicated in their design and come with lots of moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to take on themselves. Because of this, many opt to hire an expert.
A professional can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. It can also be helpful to install a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.
To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Place the hardware in a safe place. The heat gun will soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a blade made of putty. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads again and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a major one for the homeowner. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features of an older home can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good shape can lower the energy cost. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the frame of the window and is best left to a professional. With the right tools and know-how, it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and knot them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's now time to take out the upper sash. Take out the sash stops and a thin strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and held by cords. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent cutting the weight that is balancing.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reattach the beads that separate if required. Then, reconnect the sash cords or chains and re-install the axles of the sash pulleys.