Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with many issues such as rattles and draughts. They could also be inefficiently insulation. With a little effort they can be restored to their original performance.
First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop with an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a bag that has an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by issues like wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to minimize these issues and improve energy efficiency.
The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary cause of drafts. 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, specialty products, and secondary glazing.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is common. This can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, which can cause rotting and growth of mold. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option however it has a tendency to rip, and it can make a difference to the appearance of a window.
When installing replacement sash runners, it is important to take full measurements of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. window repair near me can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.
In older structures the gap between frame and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught proof with a strip of self-adhesive V-strip, but it is essential to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.
A piece of material should be cut to the width of the sash, and with an additional inch to allow movement. The strip should be cut square and placed so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass may be rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. But despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Common problems include rattling, stickiness or draughts. The rotting of frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars, or damaged weights could add to the inconvenience. When these problems occur it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.
Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash itself, but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window to the same or better than its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber 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). It's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce the rattling.
If a replacement sash is needed It can be made using the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the style and character of your home. This is especially crucial for listed homes where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.
Before you put the new window in place It is recommended to check the metal tabs against the tabs on the old sash (see below). If they're different shapes the new sash may not fit into the window frame slots.
When a window is damaged it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement because each type of work will require a different level of expertise and cost. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be the better alternative. But in the event that the glass is damaged in a small area or a sill is decaying, a repair may be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass can also occur. These issues often point to an inevitable replacement as the only feasible solution. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, including installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.
It is important to determine the severity of a issue, since it might not be feasible to replace a complete window. For example, a foggy glass issue is usually a problem within the sash itself and is typically a solution 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 reinstalling it.
Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to solve common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Most homeowners don't want to remove the window frame in order to repair these issues. Because of this, many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.
Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat escaping through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and stop the window from shaking.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Next, loosen the staff bead and pull out the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords on both sides. Then take the sashweights out of the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a safe place. The heat gun will soften the old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing a sash window is a crucial one for homeowners. Although modern replacements offer a host of benefits however, the original features of an older house add character and value to the home and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts, 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 standard sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track, or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional because it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
The process of bringing the window apart starts by removing any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Finally, pull out the sash at the bottom. Then, take the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the weights attached to them. It's time to take off the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the weight balancing, that is a massive lead or iron cylinder enclosed inside a hidden compartment and anchored by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void pierce it with a nail and then let the weight go.
Once the sashes are free clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing cords and sash bars, and scrape off any paint off the sash stops with 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 cutting the weight that is balancing.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash chains or cords and install the sash pulleys.