Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years can have many issues such as rattles and draughts. They may also be poorly constructed to be insulated. With a little effort they can be repaired to a high level of performance.
First, remove the seal of paint from the window stop using a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag with the label.
Sealing
Sash windows are gorgeous in older buildings, however they require care. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
The gaps between the sash and frame are the primary cause of draughts. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattle. There are a variety of methods to reduce air leaks in windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.
A common problem is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can cause water leaking into the wood, rotting of the wood and the growth of mould. The gap can be filled with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
If a gap in the window is preventing windows from opening and closing smoothly, it may be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are attached by staples or nails to the lower sash edges in order to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought at 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 essential to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash 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 the new runners, which will ensure a proper fit and a better performance of the window.
In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash as well as the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into account when cutting and measuring 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. Use stainless steel screws as brass will be rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant, historic feature of many homes. They are beautiful however they are prone to problems. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are common issues. Also, rotting frames, meeting rails, broken glazing bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. If you are experiencing any of these issues it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash, but it can restore the look and function of your sash window the same or superior to its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is 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 minimize the rattling.
If you require a new sash it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows require planning permission.
Before you put the new window in place before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes the new sash may not fit inside the window frame slots.
If a window is damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement, since each kind of repair will require a different level of expertise and price. For example the case of a sash windows that has a significant piece of glass that is missing, then a replacement will be the best option. However in the event that the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill is rotting then a repair will be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners would like 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 is also a possibility to occur. This is why replacing them is often the only option to solve these issues. There are other options to improve sash window performance than simply replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or even appropriate to replace a window. For instance, a fogging glass issue usually occurs within the sash itself and is typically a solution without ripping out the whole frame. A poor seal can also often be remedied with a few simple fixes rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are a complicated design with a lot of moving parts. This is why it can be a challenge to remedy some common problems like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't something the majority of homeowners would like to tackle on their own. Many homeowners opt to hire a specialist for these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through the window. It can also be helpful to add a brush pile strip, to stop rattling, and reduce drafts.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Next, remove the staff bead, then pull out the lower sash. Remove the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom of the cavity for weight. Keep the hardware in a secure place. Use a heat gun to soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off using the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting bead and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
It is essential for the homeowner to make a decision on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features of an older home can add the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Inspecting them regularly can help lower the energy cost. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This could 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 draughty. Repairing a sash window involves extensive dismantling of the window frame and is best left to the professionals. With the right tools and knowledge it's possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings that are behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead, then remove the bottom sash. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides, and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed which is a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, take off any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a massive iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity, and supported by an elastic cord. To prevent the sash from falling into the void, pierce it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed clean the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and scrape off any paint from the sash stops using an utility knife. When the sashes are returned to their original positions, you can attach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk puncturing the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first on its track, followed by the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are aligned correctly. If necessary, reattach any beads used for parting. Finally, reattach window repairs near me or cords and then re-attach the sash pulley axles.