Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. A little bit of care can often restore them to their original performance.
First, remove the paint seal from the window stop with the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take out any chains or cords. Keep the hardware in a bag that has a label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they do need maintenance and can be subject to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the windows in sash is a great method to eliminate these issues and improve the efficiency of energy.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also lead to noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, special products and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage within a shutter.
A common issue is a gap between the top of the sash and the jamb frame, or between the bottom of the sash and the sill. This can lead to moisture leaking in and rotting of the wood, and mould growth. The gap can be sealed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
If a gap in the window is preventing the windows from closing and opening smoothly, it may be necessary to install new sash runners or spring bronze. These strips of bronze are tied or stapled to the sash's lower edges to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, but it is prone to tear and can detract the appearance of your
window.
It is crucial to determine the size of the window opening before installing new sash runners. It is recommended to measure from the top of the sash to the horizontal line of the rail that connects it, 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 better operation of the window.
In older buildings there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is crucial to consider this when cutting and measuring 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 squarely trimmed and placed to align with the angle of the sill. It is also crucial to use stainless steel screws, because brass is prone to rust, and high-quality polyurethane or silicone adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a beautiful, historical feature of many homes. These windows are gorgeous however they are prone to problems. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. The rotted frames and the rails that connect them, as and broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights are all causes of problems. When these problems occur it's time to consider repairs or replacements to your sash.
Refurbishment can be a more costly alternative than replacing the sash, but it can bring back the appearance and function of your sash window as good if not superior to its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by decay. It also involves re-painting the timber frame 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). It is also recommended to install brush pile weather strip to reduce rattling.
If the need for a new sash arises it can be constructed from similar designs to the frame of the previous one and preserve the style of your home's historic design. This is especially important for listed properties where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window to the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If these are different shapes the new sash won't fit properly into the window frame slots.
If a window has been damaged, it is essential to decide between repair or replacement because each type of work will involve a different level of expertise and price. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing replacing it is a better option. If the glass is only damaged in a tiny area or a sill is beginning to rot and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be more appropriate.
Replacement
While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good condition, deterioration could eventually cause issues such as draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. These issues often suggest replacement as the only feasible solution. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. They can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
Take note of the severity of the problem. It might not be necessary or appropriate to replace the window. For instance, a foggy glass issue usually occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without having to tear out the entire frame. A poor seal can also often be corrected by a few easy fixes instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common issues like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. The solution to these issues typically involves dismantling the window frame, which isn't something that most homeowners would want to take on themselves. For these reasons, many opt to hire a professional.
A specialist can help restore sash windows back to their original glory, or even bring them up to current energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. It is also possible to add a brush-pile strip in order to minimize drafts and stop the window from shaking.
To start a repair project take out the
upvc window repair stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead and take off the lower sash. Remove the chains or cords that are on both sides. Then take the sashweights out of the bottom weight cavity. Keep the hardware in a safe position. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, reconnect the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
It is essential for homeowners to make a choice on whether to replace or repair their sash windows. Modern replacements offer many advantages, but the original features of an older home can add the character and value. They are also cheaper to repair rather than replace. Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can lead to increased costs for energy and damage to the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close and the standard sliding mechanism may become displaced from its track, or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of a window with sash to a specialist because they require extensive dismantling. With the right tools and skills it's possible for you to repair old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
The process of bringing the window apart begins with the removal of any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead and remove the bottom sash. Then, remove the chains or cords on both sides and knot the ends to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the weights that are attached.