The Largest Issue That Comes With Sash Windows Repair, And How You Can Fix It
Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can suffer from a range of issues including draughts rattles, and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to a top level of performance.
First, remove the paint seal from the window stop using a utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead, then take the upper sash out, taking off cords or chains and storing equipment in a bag labeled.
Sealing
Sash windows can look stunning in old buildings but they do need maintenance and could be susceptible to problems like wet rot, cracked putty and draughts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the sash window is an effective method to minimize these issues and increase energy efficiency.
The gaps between the sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage within the shutter.
A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sill and the sash. This could cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood and the growth of mold. The gap can be filled by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be necessary when a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening easily. These are a type of bronze that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They can be purchased from 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.
When installing replacement runners for sash, it is important to measure the entire width of the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline on the meeting rail and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure the best fit and function 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 a self-adhesive V-strips, but it is crucial to account for this when cutting and measuring the material.
A strip must be cut to the width of the sash, and with an extra inch to allow movement. The strip should be cut square and placed in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass can get rusty. Also, use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is an attractive historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. Common problems include rattling, stickiness or draughts. The rotted frames and the meeting rails as well as broken glazing bars, damaged weights or rotten frames can all cause problems. When these issues arise, it's time for repairs or replacements to your sash.
Refurbishment is more costly than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and functionality to the same level as its original state. It involves lining the joining rail and sash box with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. It also involves painting the frame with timber and reglazing 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). It is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.
If the need for a new sash arises it can be constructed from like-for-like designs to match the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. 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 check the metal tabs against those on the old sash (see below). If they're different sizes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.
It's important to decide whether to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each option will require a different degree and level of expertise. For instance when a sash window has a large piece of glass missing, replacing it is the best choice. But when the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill has been damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good shape, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. This is why it's often the only solution to these problems. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It's important to consider the severity of the problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. A foggy glass problem for instance is typically caused by the sash, and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple solutions, rather than cutting out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Many homeowners do not want to remove the window frame in order to fix the issues. For these reasons, many choose to work with a specialist.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or update them to meet modern energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glazing to stop heat loss through the window. It is also possible to put in an extra strip of brush pile to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.
To begin the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are on the side of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff and pull out the lower window sash. Remove the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Place the hardware in a safe place. Soften any old filler, hardened putty, or filler by using a hot gun. Then scrape it off with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate the pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing windows with sash is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features in an older home can add authenticity and value. They are also less expensive to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows can be susceptible to rattles and drafts. This can result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The sliding mechanism may become sloppy or even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of window sash to a professional, as it requires extensive dismantling. With the right tools and skills it is possible to fix an the old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Making the window come apart starts by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, you can remove the staff bead. Then, remove the sash at the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the weights attached. It's time to remove the upper sash. The sash stops must be removed which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. The sash can be pulled back to reveal the balancing weight, that is a massive lead or iron cylinder enclosed in a hidden cavity and held by rope. To stop window repair falling into the void, hit it with nails and remove 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 take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are not large enough to puncture the weight of the balancing.
To reassemble the sash, put the top sash into its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and then reconnect the beads that separate if required. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and then re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.