Sash windows that are older than 20 years can have many issues that include rattles and draughts. They might also be inefficiently insulated. With a little care, they can be restored to a high level of performance.
First, remove the seal of paint 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 look stunning in older buildings, but they require maintenance. They can be affected by problems like wet-rot cracked putty and draughts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and increase the efficiency of sash windows by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and the frame. They can also trigger noise reduction and rattling. Sealing beads, specialty products, and secondary glazing can all be used to minimize the air leakage within a sash.
A gap between the top or bottom of the sash, and the jamb frame, is an issue that is common. This can cause moisture to leak into the wood, rotting it, and mold growth. Seal the gap with silicone, polyurethane, or foam sealant.
If a gap is preventing windows from closing and opening without a hitch, it might be necessary to put in new sash runners or spring bronze. These bronze strips are tied or stapled to the sash's lower edges to prevent sideways rattling. They can be bought 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 crucial to measure the window opening. It is recommended to take measurements from the top of the sash up to the horizontal centerline of the rail of the meeting and from the bottom of sash down to the sill. These measurements can be transferred to new runners, which will ensure a better fit and operation of the window.
In older structures there is a larger gap between the sash as well as the frame at the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using strips of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However it is essential to take this into consideration when measuring and cutting material.
A strip must be cut to the length of the sash, and with an extra inch on each side to allow movement. The strip 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 as brass can rust. Also, make sure to use the highest quality polyurethane or silicone glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a beautiful historical feature of a lot of homes. Yet despite their beauty, windows like sash windows can be prone to a myriad of issues. Common issues include rattling stuck or draughty windows. Rotting frames and meeting rails as along with broken glazing bars, damaged frames, or rotten weights can cause issues. If these issues occur, it's time for an sash repair or replacement.
Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash, but it will bring back the appearance and function to the same level in its original condition. Refurbishment involves lining both the meeting rail and the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by the rot. Re-painting the frame of the timber is also included, as well as the re-glazing process 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 put in brush pile weather strips to reduce rattle and increase insulation.
If a replacement sash is needed it can be constructed using the same style to match the frame you have. This will help preserve the heritage style of your house. This is especially important for listed buildings where any changes to the windows need planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs of the new window with those of the old sash prior to installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash will not fit properly into the window frame slots.
When a window is damaged it is essential to decide between repair or replacement, since each kind of repair will involve a different level of expertise and cost. If a significant portion of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be the better alternative. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay or rotting, then a repair could be better.
Replacement
Although many homeowners want to keep their old windows in good condition, the deterioration of the windows can result in problems like rattles, draughts or even broken glass. These issues usually point to an inevitable replacement as the only feasible solution. However, there are ways to improve sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, like installing draught proofing as well as secondary glazing.
It is crucial to assess the severity of the issue, since it might not be appropriate or even practical to replace an entire window. Foggy glass for instance is typically caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing 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 feature a complicated design that has many moving parts. This is why it can be tricky to fix common issues like sash cords that are snapped or broken panes. Resolving these issues often requires dismantling the window frame, which isn't a job the majority of homeowners would like to take on themselves. Many homeowners choose to engage a professional for these reasons.
Specialists can restore sash window frames to their original splendor or make them more up-to-date with the latest energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to prevent heat from escaping through the window. You can also install an edge strip for brush-piles to cut down on drafts and stop the window from shaking.
To start a repair project start by removing the window stops (the moldings in front of the lower sash). Then loosen the staff and remove the lower window sash. Take off the chains or cords that are on both sides. Finally, disconnect the sash weights from the bottom of the cavity and remove them. Place the equipment in a secure location. Soften any old filler or hardened putty using a heat gun, and scrape it away using a knife for putty. Reassemble window repairs . Reattach the hardware. Lubricate the pulleys with Teflon or silicone spray. Reinstall the parting beads and then reinstall the upper sash.
Repair
It is essential for homeowners to make a choice on whether to repair or replace their sash windows. Modern replacements have many benefits however, the original features of an older house can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Keeping them in good condition will also help you save money on energy. 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 may become displaced from its track or become draughty. Repairing a sash windows requires extensive removal of the window frame and should be left to a professional. With the right tools and experience it's possible for you to repair old sash window yourself. Adam shows Jess how to begin:
Remove any security fittings that are in front of the lower window sash. Next, remove the staff bead and take the sash off the bottom. Then, pull out the chains or cords on both sides, and tie them to prevent them being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. Now it's time to remove the upper sash. Remove the sash stops, a thin vertical strip of wood that is used to hold the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. The sash should be pulled back to reveal the weight. It is a large iron or lead cylinder that is hidden inside a cavity and held by an elastic cord. To keep the sash from falling into the void make a hole in it using a nail and sacrifice the weight.
Once the sashes are free, clean out the jamb and rails that meet, remove the glazing bars and sash cords, and strip any paint off the sash stops using an utility knife. Reattach the stops when the sashes have been reinstalled. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.
To reassemble the sash, place the top sash onto its track first, and then the lower sash. Make sure the sash stoppers are aligned properly with the frame, and then reconnect the parting beads if needed. Reattach the sash chains or cords and then install the sash pulleys.
