Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows 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 pull out the upper sash, taking off cords or chains and storing hardware in a bag marked.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require care. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the sash window is an effective way to reduce these problems and increase energy efficiency.
The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also cause rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage within a shutter.
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 can cause moisture to leak into the wood, which can cause rotting, and mold growth. upvc window repairs can be closed with silicone or polyurethane caulking or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze may be required in the event that a gap blocks windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option, but it is prone to tear, and can detract from the appearance of a window.
When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will help ensure a proper fit and better operation of the window.
In older buildings the gap between sash and frame is usually wider around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is essential to consider this when cutting and measuring material.
A strip must be cut to the height of the sash, and with an extra inch 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, since brass can rust and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is an attractive historic feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be prone to problems. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are typical issues. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could cause a lot of trouble. When these problems occur it's time to consider a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash however, it can restore the appearance and function to the same level in its original condition. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. It also involves 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 prevent the rattling.
If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made from like-for-like designs to match the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is particularly important for listed properties where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Before you put the new window in, it's best to examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.
It is crucial to determine whether to replace or repair the damaged window, since each option will require a different degree and cost of expertise. If a large part of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it is an option. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill has begun to decay, then a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause problems such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why replacing them is often the only solution to these issues. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.
Consider the extent of the issue. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace a window. A glass that is foggy, for example, is usually caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is typically possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are extremely complicated in their design and come with lots of moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues like broken panes or snapped sash cables. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame in order to fix these problems. Many homeowners opt to engage a professional for these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat out of the window. It may also be beneficial to put in a brush pile strip to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.
To start a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally take the sashweights out of the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it away using the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
It is important for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features in an older home can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and should be left to professionals. With the right tools and skills it is possible for you to repair the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights. The next step is to take out the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a heavy iron or lead cylinder that is concealed in a cavity and is secured by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
When the sashes are untied clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-attach the sash pulley axles.