Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years may have many issues such as rattles and draughts. They might also be inefficiently constructed to be insulated. A little care can often restore them to their original performance.
First, knock off the paint seal from the window stop using the knife of a utility. 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 can look stunning in old buildings, however they require maintenance and are susceptible to issues like cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.
The gaps between sash frame are the primary cause of drafts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage inside the sash.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash and the jamb frame, is a common problem. This can result in the leaking of moisture the wood, rotting, and mould growth. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze could be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from opening and shutting effortlessly. These bronze strips are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges in order to prevent sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option, but it can tear and make a difference to the appearance of windows.
It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing the new sash runners. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash 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, there is a wider gap between the sash as well as the frame around the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However, it is important to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut at the height of the sash, with an inch extra on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and placed to match the angle of the sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, because brass is prone to rust, and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. These windows are gorgeous but they can also be susceptible to issues. Common problems include rattling, draughts or sticking. The rotted frames and the rails that connect them, as and broken glazing bars, faulty weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash, but it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window to as good if not better than its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and repairing any damage caused by rot. It also involves re-painting the timber frame 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). Finally, it's recommended to fit brush pile weather strips to reduce the rattling and increase insulation.
If the need for a new sash arises, it can be made from similar designs to the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any changes to the windows will 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.
If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose between repair or replacement because each type of work will require a different degree of expertise and cost. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it would be the better option. If double glazing repair Harpenden is damaged in a small area or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be more appropriate.
Replacement
While many homeowners are keen 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 option to solve these issues. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, such as installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.
It is important to determine the severity of a issue, since it might not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without ripping out the whole frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal using a couple of simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are surprisingly complicated in their design and come with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to fix common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't something the majority of homeowners would like to tackle themselves. Many homeowners opt to work with a professional due to these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and fitting secondary glazing to stop heat loss from the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and prevent the window from rattling.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings that are on the side of the lower glass). Then you can loosen the staff, and remove the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Store the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away using the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead, and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
It is important for the homeowner to decide whether to repair or replace their sash windows. While modern replacements provide a host of benefits but the original features of an older house give personality and value to the property and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can lead to 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 be displaced from its track, or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a window sash to a professional because it requires extensive removal. With the right tools and knowledge it is possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Getting the window to come apart starts by removing any security fittings that are in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and tie them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased in a hidden cavity and anchored by a rope. To prevent the sash falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jambs as well as rails that connect them. Remove the glazing bars and the cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint that is on the sash stop. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the weight that is balancing.
To reassemble the sash put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are aligned properly. If needed, reconnect any parting beads. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.