7 Things About Sash Windows Repair You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows that are older than 20 years old can be afflicted with a variety of problems such as rattles and draughts. They could also be poorly insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to their original performance.
First, knock off the paint seal from 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 storing the hardware in a labeled bag.
Sealing
Sash windows look gorgeous in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and are susceptible to issues such as wet rot, cracked putty and drafts. Sealing, replacement or repair of the windows sash is an effective method to eliminate these issues and improve energy efficiency.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause rattling and reduced sound-proofing. There are a variety of methods to stop air leaks from the sash window, such as 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 between the bottom of sash and the sill. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it and the growth of mold. Seal the gaps with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash in order to prevent sideways rattle, and they can be purchased at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is more likely to tear and can alter the appearance of your window.
It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is best to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rails that meet, and from the bottom of the sash to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners, which will ensure an improved fit and performance of the window.
In older buildings, the gap between frame and sash is typically wider around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is essential to consider this when cutting and measuring material.
A strip should be cut to the length of the sash. There should be double glazing repairs Leighton Buzzard to allow movement. It should be trimmed square and placed in a way that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also essential to use stainless steel screws, since brass can rust and the best quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The Sash window is a beautiful and historic feature of many homes. They are beautiful however they are prone to problems. Rattling, draughts, sticking or leaking are common issues. Rotting frames and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, damaged frames or weights that are rotten are all causes of problems. When these issues arise, it's time to consider repairs or replacements to your sash.
Refurbishment is more expensive alternative than replacing the sash, but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window the same or better than its original state. It involves re-lining the meeting rail and sash boxes with traditional putty and fixing any rot-related damage. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as is 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's also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to minimize the noise of rattling.
If a new sash is required, it can be made using similar designs to the old frame and maintain your property's heritage style. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows require planning permission.
Before putting the new window in place before installing it, make sure you check the metal tabs against those on the sash that was previously used (see below). If they're different sizes the new sash may not fit into the window frame slots.
It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace a damaged window, as each option will require a different degree and cost of expertise. If a large portion of the glass in a sash is missing, replacing it is an option. But, if the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill is damaged, a repair would be more appropriate.
Replacement
Many homeowners wish to keep their old sash window in good condition, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues such as rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these problems. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. This includes the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
Take note of the severity of the problem. It may not be necessary or appropriate to replace the window. For instance, a fogging glass issue is usually a problem within the sash and can usually be solved without having to tear out the entire frame. A weak seal can often be corrected by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows are quite complicated in their design and come with many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues like broken panes or snapped sash cables. Many homeowners do not want to remove the window frame in order to repair these issues. This is why many homeowners choose to work with a specialist.
Specialists can restore sash window frames back to their original glory or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, which will stop heat escaping from the window. You can also add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from rattling.
To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains 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, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Install the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
It is essential for homeowners to decide whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer many advantages but the original features of a home that was built earlier give personality and value to the home and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also reduce the energy cost. Sash windows are prone to rattles, drafts and condensation, and these problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track, or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist, as they require extensive dismantling. However, with the right tools and know-how it is possible to repair old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to start:
Remove any security fittings that are behind the lower window sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, remove the bottom sash. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides, and tie the ends 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 stops (a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash) and loosen any paint-encrusted hardware. Pull the sash to reveal the balancing weight, which is a heavy iron cylinder that is encased in a concealed cavity and anchored by rope. To keep the sash from falling into the void, make a hole in it using 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 from the sash stops using a utility knife. Reattach the stops when 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 that the sash stops are properly aligned with the frame, and reattach the beads that separate if required. Finally, reattach the sash chain or cords and re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.