One Sash Windows Repair Success Story You'll Never Believe
Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles, and poor insulation. A little care can often restore them to their original performance.
First, take off the seal of paint using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a container with the label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older structures, but they require regular maintenance. They are susceptible to problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.
The gaps between the sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage in the sash.
A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sill and the sash. This can lead to moisture leaking in, rotting wood, and mold growth. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze might be required in the event that a gap blocks the windows from opening and shutting easily. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the lower sash edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it can tear and make a difference to the appearance of a window.
When replacing sash runners, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is best to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail of the meeting and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a good fitting and better operation of the window.
In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash and frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by using a strip of V-strip which is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when measuring and cutting material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash, with an inch more 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, as brass can rust, and a high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The Sash window is a beautiful, historic feature of many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a range of issues. Draughts, rattling, sticking or leaking are common issues. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars, or damaged weights could add to the inconvenience. When these issues arise, it's time for a sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself but it will improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window to as good, if not better than its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber 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). window repair is also recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce the rattling and increase insulation.
If a new sash is required, it can be made using similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep the character of your house. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs of the new window to the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes and sizes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.
If a window has been damaged, it is crucial to decide between repair or replacement since each kind of repair will require a different degree of expertise and expense. For example when a sash window has a large chunk of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best option. But 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 want to keep their old sash window 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. These issues often suggest replacement as the only feasible solution. However, there are other ways to improve sash windows that go beyond replacing them, including installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
It is important to determine the severity of a issue, since it might not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. A glass that is foggy, for example, is usually caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to repair a weak seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows are extremely complex in design and have lots of moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners would want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners choose to engage a professional for these reasons.
A professional can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to the latest energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from getting out of the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from shaking.
To start a repair project take out the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe position. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting bead and install the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a major one for homeowners. Modern replacements have many benefits, but the original features in an older home can add authenticity and value. They are also cheaper to repair than replacing. Inspecting them regularly can help lower the energy cost. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This could result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and sash.
Sash windows can be difficult to open or close. The mechanism that slides can be slack or become draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the frame of the window and is best left to professionals. With the right tools and skills it's possible for you to repair old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
Making the window come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, take out the bottom sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights. It's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, that is a massive iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a hidden cavity and anchored by a rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.
After the sashes have been removed, clean out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint from the sash stops using a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to avoid cutting the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by placing the upper sash first on its track, followed by the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.