Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can suffer from a range of issues, including draughts rattles, and inadequate insulation. A little bit of care can often bring them back to their original performance.
First, take off the seal with a utility knife. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the upper sash, taking off cords or chains and storing hardware in a labeled bag.
Sealing
Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings, however they require maintenance and can be subject to issues such as wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the sash window is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger noise and rattling, which can reduce soundproofing. Various methods can be used to stop air leaks from a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is an issue that is common. This can lead to water leaking into the wood and rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
If a gap in the window is preventing windows from closing and opening easily, it could be necessary to install new spring bronze or sash runners. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle. They are available from DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it is prone to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.
It is crucial to measure the entire window opening prior to installing the replacement sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on 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 good fit and a better performance of the window.
In older buildings the gap between the frames and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive V-strip, but it is crucial to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass may rust. Also, make sure you use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. These windows are beautiful but they can also be prone to problems. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. The rotted frames and the rails that connect them, as along with broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function to the same level that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as the re-glazing process 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 install brush pile weather strips to lessen the rattling and increase insulation.
If a new sash is required the frame can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows require planning permission.
Before putting the new window in before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs 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 is essential to decide between repair or replacement, because each kind of work will require a different level of expertise and cost. For example when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing, replacement is the best option. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill is rotting, then a repair would be better.
Replacement
While a lot of homeowners are eager to keep their old sash windows in good working condition, the deterioration of the windows can result in problems like rattles, draughts, or even broken glass. This is why it's often the only solution to these issues. But there are ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, like installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
Think about the scope of the problem. It might not be necessary or even necessary to replace windows. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be addressed without having to tear out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows feature a complicated design with many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to fix common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners opt 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 the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping from the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from shaking.
To begin the repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are located in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead, then take off the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Use a heat gun to soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is an important one for the homeowner. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features in an older house can add the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional 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 they require extensive removal. But, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Making the window come apart starts by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Next, remove window repairs , then pull out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights attached. It's time to take off the upper sash. Take out the sash stops and a thin wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and held by rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.
After the sashes are removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords for the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are not large enough to damage the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.