Sash windows older than 20 years can have various issues that include rattles and draughts. They could also be poorly insulated. With a little attention they can be repaired to their original performance.
First, knock off the seal on the paint of the window stop using an utility knife. Remove the staff bead, 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 can look stunning in old buildings, however they require regular maintenance and can be subject to problems like cracks in putty, wet rot and drafts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of sash windows by replacing or repairing them, or sealing them.
Draughts are mainly caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also lead to rattles and reduce sound-proofing. Sealing beads, special products, and secondary glazing can all be used to reduce the air leakage inside the sash.
A common problem 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 could cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood and the growth of mold. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane or foam sealant.
Installing new sash runner or spring bronze may be required when a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening smoothly. These are strips of bronze that are stapled or nailed into the edges of the lower sash to prevent sideways rattle. They are available from DIY stores. Tubular vinyl weather-stripping is an alternative option however it can rip, and it can detract from the appearance of windows.
It is crucial to measure the entire window opening before installing new sash runners. It is best to measure from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline on the rail that connects them and from the bottom sash down to the sill. These measurements can then be transferred to new runners that will ensure the best fit and function of the window.
In older buildings there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed by a self-adhesive Vstrip, however it is essential to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut at the top of the sash with an inch added on each side to allow for movement. It should be cut square and placed in a way that the ends are matched to the angle of the window sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass can get rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The windows with sash are a stunning historical feature in many homes. But despite their beauty, these windows are prone to a variety of problems. Common problems include rattling, stickiness or draughts. Frames that are rotting and rails that meet, as along with broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights are all causes of problems. When these issues arise, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment can be a more costly option than simply replacing the sash itself, however, it can improve the appearance and functionality of your sash window the same or better than the original condition. Refurbishment involves lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty, and then repairing any damage caused by the rot. It also involves painting the frame of timber 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 put in brush pile weather strip to minimize the rattling.
If you require a new sash the frame can be constructed using similar designs to the old frame and maintain the style of your home's historic design. This is particularly crucial for listed homes where any changes to the windows will require planning permission.
Check the metal tabs of the new window with the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different sizes and sizes, the new sash will not fit inside the slots of the window frame.
It's important to decide whether to replace or repair a damaged window, as each choice will require a different degree and amount of knowledge. For example when a sash window has a large chunk of glass missing, replacement is the best choice. However, if the glass is damaged in one small section or a sill is damaged, a repair would be the better option.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash windows in good condition, but the deterioration of the window will eventually cause issues like rattles or draughts. Broken glass can also occur. This is why replacing sash windows is often the only solution to these issues. There are other options to improve the performance of sash windows than simply replacing them. This includes the installation of secondary glazing and draught-proofing.
Take note of the severity of the issue. It might not be necessary or even necessary to replace windows. For instance, a foggy glass issue typically occurs in the sash itself and can usually be solved without tearing out the entire frame. A leaky seal can often be corrected by making a few minor adjustments instead of a costly full frame tear-out and replacement.
Sash windows have a complex design that has many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix common issues such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Solving these issues usually requires taking apart the window frame, which isn't something most homeowners would want to tackle themselves. Because of this, many opt to hire an expert.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or bring them up-to-date with modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and installing secondary glass to stop heat from escaping through the window. It is also possible to add an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from rattling.
To start a repair project, remove the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Next, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Finally, remove the sashweights from the bottom cavity of the weight. Store the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old, hardened putty or filler using a heat gun, and scrape it away with the help of a putty knife. Reassemble the window. Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys using Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
It is crucial for the homeowner to decide whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Although modern replacements offer many advantages, the original features of an older house add personality and value to the property and are usually cheaper to repair than replacing them. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. Sash windows are vulnerable to rattles, drafts, and condensation. These problems can result in increased costs for energy and damage to 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 even draughty. It's best to leave the repair of a sash windows to professionals, as it requires extensive removal. But, with the right tools and knowledge it is possible to fix old windows using sash. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then take the sash off the bottom. Take the chains and cords from both sides, and knot them so that they cannot be pulled back by the attached weights. The next step is to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops which is a thin vertical wood strip that holds the sash. Also, remove any painted-covered hardware. Reverse the sash to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder, which is tucked away in a cavity and is held by an elastic cord. To stop window repairs falling into the void make a hole in it using an hammer and then sacrifice the weight.
After the sashes have been removed, clean the jambs and meet rails. Remove the glazing bars as well as the cords of the sash. Then, using a utility blade take off any paint that is on the sash stop. After the sashes have been put back in place, you can reattach the stops using nails that are not too large to risk damaging the weight that is balancing.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first on its track, then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are properly aligned with the frame, and reattach the beads that separate if required. Reattach the sash cords or chains and install the sash pulleys.
