Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years old can be afflicted with various issues, including draughts and rattles. They might also be poorly insulation. With a little care they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.
First, scrape off the seal on the paint of the window stop with a utility knife. Then, take off the staff bead and pull out the upper sash by removing chains or cords, and then storing the hardware in a labeled bag.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require maintenance and can be subject to issues like cracked putty, wet rot, and drafts. Repair, sealing or replacement of the windows sash is an effective way to reduce these problems and increase energy efficiency.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialist products and secondary glazing can be used to limit the air leakage inside a shutter.
A common problem is a gap 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. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner, or spring bronze may be necessary in the event that a gap blocks the windows from closing and opening easily. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They can be purchased at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it tends to rip and can detract the appearance of your window.
When installing replacement runners for sash it is essential to measure the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to the new runners, which will help ensure a perfect fit and a better performance of the window.
In double glazing repairs Salford there is a greater 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 crucial to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.
A strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an extra inch on each side for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed in accordance with the angle of the sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass can get rusty. Also, make sure you use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash window is an elegant historical feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, stickiness or draughts. Also, rotting frames, connecting rails, broken glazing bars, or damaged weights could cause a lot of trouble. If you are experiencing any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, however, it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good, if not better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves the lining of both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by decay. It also involves painting the frame of timber 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). In addition, it is recommended to install brush pile weather strips to reduce the rattling and increase insulation.
If a replacement sash required it can be constructed with the same design to match your existing frame. This will preserve the heritage style of your house. This is particularly important for listed buildings where any modifications made to windows will require planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they are different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the slots of the window frame.
If a window has been damaged, it is crucial to decide between replacement or repair, because each kind of work will involve a different level of expertise and expense. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing then replacing it will be an alternative. However when the glass has been damaged in a small area or a sill is damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, however deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass may also occur. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only sensible solution. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows other than replacing them. These include installing secondary glazing and draughtproofing.
Consider the extent of the problem. It may not be necessary or suitable to replace windows. A foggy glass problem for instance, is usually caused by the sash and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is typically possible to fix a poor seal using a couple of simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows feature a complicated design that has many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common problems like broken panes or snapped sash cables. Many homeowners do not want to remove the window frame in order to fix the issues. This is why many homeowners choose to work with an expert.
A specialist can assist in restoring sash windows to their original splendor, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This can include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat loss out of the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and prevent the window from shaking.
To begin a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff bead and remove the lower sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from bottom of the weight cavity and take them off. Keep the equipment in a secure location. The heat gun will soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with the blade of a putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone 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. Although modern replacements offer many advantages but the original features of an older house give character and value to the home and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are susceptible to drafts and rattles. This can result in more expensive energy bills and can damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows can be a challenge to open and close. The sliding mechanism may become dislodged or draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist since they require extensive removal. With the right tools and experience it is possible to repair an old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
Remove any security fittings behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead and pull out the bottom sash. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's now time to remove the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and remove any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight which is a large iron cylinder that is encased inside a hidden compartment and held by a rope. 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 out the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords and strip any paint off the sash stops using the help of a utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops are in the correct alignment with the frame, and reattach the beads for parting if necessary. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.