Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have many issues that include rattles and draughts. They could also be inefficiently insulated. A little attention can often bring them back to a high standard of performance.
First, cut off the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash, and take off any chains or cords. Store the hardware in a bag that has an identification label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older structures, but they require care. They can be affected by issues such as wet-rot, cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to reduce energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.
The gaps between sash and frame are the main source of drafts. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattle. Different methods can be employed to stop air leaks from a sash window, including sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.
A common issue is a gap that exists between the top of the sash and the jamb frame or between the bottom of sill and the sash. This can cause moisture leaking in the wood, rotting and the growth of mould. Seal the gap using silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze might be required when a gap is preventing the windows from closing and opening smoothly. These strips of bronze are stapled or nailed to the lower sash edges in order to stop the rattling of the sides. They can be bought at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is another option but it is prone to tear and make a difference to the appearance of windows.
It is crucial to take measurements of the entire window opening before installing new sash runners. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of sash up to the horizontal line on the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can be incorporated into the new runners, which will ensure a proper fitting and better operation of the window.
In older buildings, there is a wider gap between the sash as well as the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught proofed with a strip of self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is important to account for this when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash and with an inch more on each side to allow for movement. Read Alot more should be cut square and positioned so that the ends are aligned to the angle of the window sill. It is also important to use stainless steel screws since brass can rust and a high-quality silicone or polyurethane adhesive.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. However, despite their beauty these windows are susceptible to a variety of problems. Common problems include rattling, stuck or draughty windows. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as and broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten can cause issues. If you encounter any of these problems it's time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment may be more expensive than replacing the sash but it will restore the appearance and functionality to the same level as its original state. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box using traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as is re-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). Finally, it's recommended to install brush pile weather strips to lessen rattling and improve insulation.
If a replacement sash needed It can be made with the same design to match the frame you have. This will preserve the heritage style of your property. This is particularly important for buildings that are listed, as any modifications to windows will require planning permission.
Before putting the new window on before installing it, make sure you examine its metal tabs with the tabs on the old sash (see below). If the tabs are different shapes, the new sash won't fit in the slots of the window frame.
It is important to decide if you want to repair or replace windows that are damaged, as each will require a different level and cost of expertise. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be the better alternative. However, if the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill has been rotting then a repair will be the better option.
Replacement
While many homeowners are keen to keep their old windows in good order, deterioration can eventually result in problems like draughts, rattles, or even broken glass. This is why it's often the only solution to these problems. There are other methods to improve the performance of sash windows rather than replacing them. Read Alot more can be improved by installing secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
It is crucial to assess the severity of a problem, as it may not be appropriate or even feasible to replace the entire window. Foggy glass for instance, is usually caused by the sash, and can be resolved without tearing out the entire frame. It is usually possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and replacing it.
Sash windows are surprisingly complex in design and feature many moving parts. It can be difficult to fix common problems like cracked panes or snapped sash cables. Many homeowners do not want to remove the window frame in order to repair these issues. Many homeowners choose to hire a specialist for these reasons.
A specialist can assist in restoring windows with sash to their original splendor or even bring them up to current energy standards. This can include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to prevent heat from getting out of the window. It may also be beneficial to put in an extra strip of brush pile to stop rattling and reduce drafts.
To begin a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings on the front of the lower sash). Then you can loosen the staff, and pull out the lower window sash. Take off the cords or chains on both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Place the hardware in a safe location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty with a heat gun and scrape it off with a knife for putty. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys by using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
It is crucial for the homeowner to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older home provide personality and value to the property and are generally less expensive to repair than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition can help save on energy costs. Sash windows can be prone to rattles and drafts. This could result in higher energy bills and damage the frame and the sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open and the standard sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash window requires extensive removal of the frame of the window and is best left to a professional. But, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to fix old windows with sash yourself. Adam shows Jess the basics:
Remove any security fittings that are just in front of the lower window sash. Next, take off the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Remove the cords and chains from both sides, and knot them in a way that they can't be pulled back by the weights attached. Now it's time to take out the upper sash. Unscrew the sash stoppers (a thin vertical strip of wood that supports the sash) and then loosen any painted-covered hardware. 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 secured by 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 the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint off the sash stops using a utility knife. Once the sashes are back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are small enough to prevent damaging the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash on its track first, and then the lower sash. Verify that the sash stoppers and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Then, reconnect the sash chain or cords and then re-attach the axles for the sash pulleys.
