Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Sash Windows Repair?
Are You Getting The Most The Use Of Your Sash Windows Repair?
Blog Article
Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Sash windows older than 20 years old can be afflicted with many issues such as rattles and draughts. They may also be poorly insulated. With a little effort they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.
First, remove the seal with a utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and remove any cords or chains. Store the hardware in a bag with an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in old buildings but they require maintenance and are susceptible to problems like cracked putty, wet rot and draughts. It is possible to decrease energy loss and increase the efficiency of windows with sash by replacing them or repairing them, or sealing them.
Draughts are mostly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Various methods can be used to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing.
A gap between the top and bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame is an issue that is frequent. This can cause moisture leaking in and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze could be necessary in the event that a gap blocks windows from opening and shutting easily. These strips of bronze are attached by staples or nails to the sash's lower edges to prevent the rattling of the sides. They are available at DIY stores. Weatherstripping made of tubular vinyl can also be used, however it is more likely to tear and may alter the look of your window.
When replacing sash runners it is essential to measure the window opening. It is best to measure from the top of sash up to the horizontal centerline of 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 ensure a perfect fitting and better operation of the window.
In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash and frame on the leading edge. It can be draught proofed by using a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash, with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed square and placed so that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Make sure to use stainless steel screws since brass will be rusty. Also, make sure to use high-quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a beautiful historic feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are prone to a myriad of issues. Common issues include rattling stickiness or draughts. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as and broken glazing bars, defective weights or rotten frames are all causes of problems. If these issues occur, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment is more expensive option than simply replacing the sash itself but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window the same or superior to its original state. It involves 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 well as 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 is also recommended to put in brush pile weather strip to minimize rattling.
If a replacement sash needed, it can be made with the same design to match your existing frame. This will preserve the style and character of your house. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any changes to the windows need planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash prior installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit correctly into the slots of the window frame.
It is important to decide if you want to replace or repair windows that are damaged, as each choice will require a different level and cost of expertise. For example when a sash window has a significant piece of glass missing then replacing it is the best option. If the glass is damaged in a tiny area or a sill is rotting and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good shape, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. These issues typically point to an inevitable replacement as the only feasible solution. However, there are ways to improve sash windows beyond just replacing them, like installing draught proofing and secondary glazing.
It is important to determine the extent of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the 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 typically possible to fix a weak seal with a few simple fixes, rather than ripping out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix some common problems like broken panes or sash cables that here have snapped. Most homeowners don't want to take apart the window frame in order to fix the issues. Because of this, many choose to work with an expert.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This may include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping out of the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from squealing.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then, loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the hardware in a secure position. The heat gun will soften old, hardened filler or putty. Scrape it off with a putty blade. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
The choice to replace or repair the sash window is a major one for the homeowner. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways however, the original features of an older house can add character and value. They are also less expensive to repair than replacing. Inspecting them regularly can lower the energy cost. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation, and these issues can lead to higher cost of energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or become draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist since it requires a lot of removal. With the right tools and skills it is possible to repair an the sash window that is old. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
The process of bringing the window apart starts with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Then, pull out 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. Take out the sash stops, a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, remove any paint-encrusted hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity, and secured by cords. To stop the sash falling into the void, hit it with a nail and sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes are removed clean the jambs as well as meet rails. Remove the glazing bars and cords of the sash. Then using a utility knife take off any paint that is on the sash stop. Reattach the stops once the sashes are reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to damage the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash on top of its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are in the correct alignment with the frame, and then reattach the parting beads if needed. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and re-attach the axles of the sash pulleys.