Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of issues, including draughts rattles and poor insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to their original performance.
First, take off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and remove the chains or cords and storing the hardware in a labeled bag.
Sealing
Sash windows look gorgeous in old buildings but they require maintenance and could be susceptible to problems 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.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. window repair Redbridge can also lead to rattling and reduced sound-proofing. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage within a shutter.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is a common problem. This can lead to moisture leaking in and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. 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 put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges to stop sideways rattling. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weather-stripping made of vinyl is a different option, but it is prone to tear and detract from the appearance of windows.
When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the window opening. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.
In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash and the frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is essential to consider this when measuring and cutting material.
The strip should be cut at the height of the sash with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. The strip should be cut square and positioned in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass may get rusty. Also, make sure you use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a range of issues. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are common issues. Also, rotting frames, connecting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could create a mess. When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash however, it can restore your sash's look and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strips to reduce rattling and improve insulation.
If a replacement sash is needed, it can be made using the same design to match your existing frame. This will preserve the style and character of your home. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Before putting the new window in place before installing it, make sure you examine its metal tabs with those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit in the window frame slots.
It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each will require a different degree and level of knowledge. For instance when a sash window has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then replacement is the best option. However in the event that the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill is decaying, a repair may be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash windows in good shape, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. These issues typically suggest replacement as the only sensible solution. However, there are other ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, including installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
Take note of the severity of the problem. It may not be necessary or even suitable to replace the window. A glass that is foggy for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to repair a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows feature a complicated design with many moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to solve common issues such as snapped sash cords or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners would want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners decide to engage a professional for 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 installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping from the window. It is also possible to put in a brush pile strip to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.
To begin a repair, take off the window stops. (The moldings that are in front of the lower glass). Then loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Place the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles using silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
It is essential for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. While modern replacements provide many advantages but the original features of a home that was built earlier give authenticity and value to the property and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good shape can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and even damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist, as they require extensive removal. With the right tools and skills it's possible to repair an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Then, take off the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back 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) and then loosen any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity and is supported by an elastic cord. To stop the sash falling into the void, make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and the rails that meet. Remove the glazing bars and the cords for the sash. Then employing a utility blade, remove any paint from the sash stop. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent damaging the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are aligned properly with the frame, and then reattach the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.