Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles and poor insulation. A little care can often bring them back to their original performance.
First, remove 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. Store window repairs near me in a bag that has a label.
Sealing
Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they require regular maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracked putty, wet rot and drafts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.
Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger rattling and reduced sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to reduce air leaks in the sash window, such as sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.
A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or the bottom of the sill and the sash. This can result in moisture leaking in the wood, rotting and growth of mould. The gap can be closed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to put in new spring bronze or sash runners. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to prevent sideways rattling. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it is prone to rip, and it can affect the appearance of windows.
When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a proper fitting and better operation of the window.
In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash and the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to consider this when cutting and measuring the material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow movement. It should be cut squarely and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may be rusty. Also, make sure to use a high quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The Sash window is a beautiful and historic feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a myriad of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are common issues. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars or weights that are not working properly can cause a lot of trouble. If you encounter any of these issues, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash but can bring back the appearance and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves re-lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty, and repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is re-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). In addition, it is recommended to put in brush pile weather strips to reduce rattle and increase insulation.
If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made using similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve your property's heritage style. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window with those of the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit correctly into the window frame slots.
If a window has been damaged, it is essential to decide between replacement or repair, because each type of work will require a different degree of expertise and cost. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be a better alternative. However, if the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill has begun damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause issues such as rattles, draughts or even broken glass. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these problems. But there are ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
It is important to determine the extent of a problem, as it may not be feasible to replace a complete window. A foggy glass problem, for example is typically caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are a complicated design with many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues like broken panes or snapped sash cables. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners want to tackle themselves. This is why many opt to hire a specialist.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from getting out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from rattling.
To begin a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings that are in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Then, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Keep the hardware in a secure position. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and install the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements offer many advantages however, the original features of an older home add character and value to the property and are generally less expensive to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can reduce the cost of energy. Sash windows can be susceptible to drafts and rattles. This could result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track or draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and should be left to the professionals. However, with the right tools and knowledge it is possible to repair old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
The process of bringing the window apart starts with the removal of any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the attached weights. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a large iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a concealed cavity and anchored by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.
When the sashes are untied Clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and scrape off any paint off the sash stops using a utility knife. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid damaging the weight that is balancing.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, and then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any parting beads. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.