Sash windows older than 20 years can have a variety of problems, including draughts and rattles. They might also be inefficiently insulation. With a little effort they can be repaired to a higher level of performance.
First, remove the paint seal using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, then pull out the upper sash and take off any chains or cords. The hardware should be stored in a bag with the label.
Sealing
Sash windows are beautiful in older buildings, but they require care. They are susceptible to problems like wet-rot cracked putty, and draughts. Repair, sealing, or replacement of the sash window is an effective way to reduce these problems and improve energy efficiency.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also trigger rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Various methods can be used to limit air leaks within windows with sash, including sealing beads, specialist products, and secondary glazing.
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 can lead to moisture leaking into the wood, rotting it and growth of mold. The gap can be sealed by caulking made of silicone or polyurethane or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing the windows from opening and closing without a hitch, it might be necessary to replace spring bronze or sash runners. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed onto the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weatherstripping can also be used, but it is prone to tear and may alter the look of your window.
It is essential to take measurements of the entire window opening before installing new sash runners. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the meeting rail 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, there is a wider gap between the sash and frame around the leading edge. It is possible to draught-proof it using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However, it is important to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut to the height of the sash and with an inch extra on each side to allow for movement. It should be trimmed squarely and placed to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws as brass will rust. Also, use high-quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning, historical feature of many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a range of issues. The most frequent issues are rattling, draughts or sticking. And rotting frames and meeting rails, broken glass bars or faulty weights can add to the inconvenience. 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 itself but it will restore the look and function of your sash window as good, if not better than its original state. It involves lining the meeting rail and sash box with traditional putty and fixing any rot damage. It also involves re-painting the frame with timber and reglazing 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 prevent rattling.
If you require a new sash, it can be made from similar designs to the frame that was previously used and keep your property's heritage style. This is particularly important for listed properties where any changes made to windows will require planning permission.
Before putting the new window in before installing it, make sure you compare its metal tabs to those on the old sash (see below). If they are different shapes, the new sash will not fit in the window frame slots.
It's important to decide whether to repair or replace a damaged window, as each will require a different level and cost of expertise. For example the case of a sash windows that has a large piece of glass that is missing, then replacing it is the best option. But, if the glass has been damaged in a tiny section or a sill has begun damaged, a repair would be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners would like to keep their old sash windows in good condition, however it is inevitable that deterioration will cause problems like rattles or draughts. Broken glass may also occur. These issues often point to an inevitable replacement as the only logical solution. But there are ways to improve the sash windows beyond just replacing them, such as installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
Think about the scope of the issue. It might not be necessary or even necessary to replace windows. For instance, a fogging glass issue typically occurs within the sash and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. A poor seal can also be fixed by making a few minor adjustments rather than an expensive full-frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows have a complex design with many moving parts. It can be a challenge to fix common problems like cracked panes or sash cables that have snapped. The majority of homeowners don't want disassemble the window frame in order to fix the issues. Many homeowners decide to hire a specialist for these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original glory or update them to meet the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning the frames and installing secondary glazing, to avoid heat escaping from the window. It is also possible to install a brush pile strip, to stop the rattling and decrease drafts.
To begin the repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are located in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff and pull the lower window sash. Remove the cords and chains from both sides. Finally, remove the sash weights from the bottom of the weight cavity and remove them. Keep the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler with a heat gun and scrape it away with a putty knife. Reassemble the window, attach the hardware and then lubricate the pulley axles by using silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
The choice of replacing or repairing the sash window is an important one for homeowners. Although modern replacements can provide a host of benefits however, the original features of an older home provide personality and value to the home and are often cheaper to fix than replacing them. Maintaining them in good condition can also save energy costs. Sash windows are vulnerable to drafts, rattles, and condensation. These problems can result in increased energy bills and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to open and close, and the traditional sliding mechanism can be displaced from its track or draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive dismantling of the frame of the window and should be left to professionals. With the right tools and knowledge it is possible to fix old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Making the window come apart begins by removing any security fittings in front of the lower sash. Then, remove the staff bead. Then, take out the sash at the bottom. Then, remove 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 view site (a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash) and loosen any painted-covered hardware. Pull the sash back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is hidden in a cavity, and supported by cords. To keep the sash from falling into the void, hit it with an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.
When the sashes are untied Clean the jamb and meet rails, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint from the sash stops with an utility knife. When the sashes are back in place, reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the weight that is balancing.
Reassemble the sash by putting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads that are parting. Then, reconnect the sash chains or cords and re-attach the sash pulley axles.
