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 restore them to their original performance.
First, cut off the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag with a label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings, however they do need maintenance and can be subject to issues like wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of draughts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. There are a variety of methods to reduce air leaks in windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash and the jamb frame is an issue that is frequent. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze might be required when a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening easily. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle, and they are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option however it is prone to rip, and it can affect the appearance of windows.
It is crucial to take measurements of the entire window opening prior to installing the 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 sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and better operation of the window.
In older buildings the gap between the frames and sash is typically larger 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 material.
A strip should be cut to the length of the sash, and with an additional inch each side to allow to allow for movement. It should be trimmed square and positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass may get rusty. Also, make sure to use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be susceptible to issues. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotting of frames and connecting rails, broken glazing bars or weights that are not working properly can create a mess. If these issues occur, it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, however, it can restore your sash's look and functionality to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as 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). Finally, it's recommended to put in brush pile weather strips to lessen the rattling and increase insulation.
If a new sash is needed It can be made using the same design to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the style and character of your property. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Before putting the new window in place, it's best to examine its metal tabs with those on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash won't fit properly into the window frame slots.
When a window is damaged it's essential to choose between repair or replacement because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and price. For instance when a sash window has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a small region or a sill is beginning to rot or rotting, then a repair could be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
It is crucial to assess the severity of a issue, as it may not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. A glass that is foggy, for example 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 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. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame in order to fix these problems. Many homeowners opt to engage a professional for these reasons.
A specialist can help restore sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glass to block heat from getting out of the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from squealing.
To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Then, remove window repairs from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The decision to repair or replace the sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Although modern replacements can provide many advantages but the original features of an older home give authenticity and value to the home and are often cheaper to repair than replacing them. Inspecting them regularly can help lower the cost of energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts, and condensation. These problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track, or even draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive removal of the frame of the window and is best left to professionals. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
Making the window come apart starts by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, take off the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away inside a cavity and held by a cord. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it using a nail, and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the sash cords. Then employing a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk cutting the weight that is balancing.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and attach the sash pulleys.