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15 Reasons You Shouldn't Overlook Sash Windows Repair
Sash Windows Repair and Replacement
Older sash windows can be plagued by a variety of problems including draughts, rattles and poor insulation. With a little care they can be restored to a high level of performance.
First, scrape off the seal of paint from the window stop with the knife of a utility. Remove the staff bead, pull out the upper sash and remove any cords or chains. Keep window repairs near me in a container with the label.
Sealing
Sash windows can look stunning in older buildings, but they require maintenance and are susceptible to problems like wet rot, cracked putty and drafts. It is possible to minimize energy loss and improve the efficiency of windows made of sash by replacing, repairing or sealing them.
Draughts are usually caused by gaps between the sash and frame. They can also cause noise reduction and rattling. Different methods can be employed to reduce air leaks in a sash window, including sealing beads, specialty products and secondary glazing.
A common issue 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 cause moisture to leak in, rotting wood, and mold growth. The gap can be sealed with caulking made of polyurethane or silicone or foam sealant.
Installing a new sash runner or spring bronze may be necessary if a gap prevents the windows from closing and opening effortlessly. These are bronze strips that are stapled or nailed to the edges of the lower sash to stop sideways rattle. They are available at DIY stores. Tubular weatherstripping also can be used, however it is more likely to tear and can detract the appearance of your window.
It is important to determine the size of the window opening prior to installing a an alternative sash runner. It is best to take measurements from the top of the sash to the horizontal centerline of the rail that connects it, 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 structures there is a greater gap between the sash and the frame on the leading edge. It can be draught-proofed using a strip of V-strip that is self-adhesive. However, it is important to consider this when measuring and cutting the material.
The strip should be cut at the height of the sash and with an inch added on each side to allow movement. It should be squarely trimmed and positioned to align with the angle of the sill. Use stainless steel screws since brass may get rusty. Also, make sure to use the highest quality silicone or polyurethane glue.
Refurbishment
The sash is a stunning historic feature in many homes. These windows are beautiful however they are susceptible to problems. The most frequent issues are rattling, draughts or sticking. Frames that are rotting and meeting rails as along with broken glazing bars, faulty frames or weights that are rotten are all causes of problems. If you experience any of these problems, it is time to replace or repair your sash.
Refurbishment can be more expensive than replacing the sash but it will restore your sash's look and function to the same standard that it was in its original form. Refurbishment involves re-lining the meeting rail as well as the sash box with traditional putty and fixing any damage caused by rot. Re-painting of the timber frame is also included, as well as 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 put in brush pile weather strips to reduce rattle and increase insulation.
If a replacement sash needed it can be constructed using the same design to match the frame you have. This will maintain the style and character of your property. This is especially crucial for listed buildings, where any modifications to windows will require planning permission.
Compare the metal tabs on the new window with those of the old sash prior installing it (see below). If they're different shapes, the new sash won't fit in the window frame slots.
If a window has been damaged, it's essential to choose between replacement or repair, because each kind of work will require a different degree of expertise and expense. If a large part of the glass in the sash is missing then replacing it will be the better option. If the glass is only damaged in a small region or a sill has begun to decay and needs to be repaired, then a repair will be better.
Replacement
Many homeowners want to keep their old sash window in good condition, but deterioration will eventually cause problems like draughts or rattles. Broken glass can also occur. These issues usually lead to a replacement as the only feasible solution. However, there are ways to improve the sash windows, beyond simply replacing them, such as installing draughtproofing and secondary glazing.
Consider the extent of the issue. It may not be necessary or appropriate to replace windows. Foggy glass, for example, is usually caused by the sash and can be fixed without tearing out the entire frame. It is often possible to fix a poor seal by making a few easy fixes, rather than tearing out the entire frame and reinstalling it.
Sash windows are quite complicated in their design and come with many moving parts. It can be challenging to fix some common problems such as broken panes, or snapped sash cable. Solving these issues usually requires removal of the window frame which isn't something that most homeowners would want to tackle on their own. Many homeowners choose to work with a professional due to these reasons.
A specialist can help restore windows made of sash to their original splendor, or even bring them up to modern energy standards. This could include reconditioning frames and fitting secondary glass to block heat from escaping through the window. You can also install a brush-pile strip to reduce drafts and prevent the window from rattling.
To begin a repair, remove the window stops. (The moldings are in front of the lower glass). Then, loosen the staff bead, then remove the lower sash. Remove the chains and cords from both sides. Then, remove the sash weights and the bottom of the cavity and take them off. Keep the hardware in a safe location. Heat gun to soften hardened filler or putty. Scrape it away with a putty blade. Reassemble the window, reattach the hardware and lubricate pulley axles with silicone or Teflon spray. Reinstall the parting beads and reinstall the upper part of the sash.
Repair
The decision to repair or replace a sash window is a crucial one for the homeowner. Modern replacements are beneficial in many ways, but the original features in an older home can add character and value. They are also cheaper to repair instead of replacing. Maintaining them in good shape can also save energy costs. Sash windows are susceptible to rattles, drafts and condensation. These problems can lead to increased energy bills and damage to the frame and sash.
Sash windows are notoriously difficult to close and open as the traditional sliding mechanism can become dislodged from its track, or even draughty. It is best to leave the repair of window sash to a professional since they require extensive dismantling. However, with the right tools and know-how it's possible to repair old sash windows yourself. Adam shows Jess how to get started:
Getting the window to come apart begins with the removal of any security fittings on the front of the lower sash. Next, remove the staff bead, then pull out the bottom sash. Then, remove the cords or chains on both sides and tie them to stop them from being pulled back into the frame by the attached weights. It's time to take off the upper sash. Take out the sash stops which is a thin vertical strip of wood that holds the sash. Also, take off any hardware that has been painted. Unscrew the sash to reveal the weight balancing, which is a heavy iron cylinder or lead that is enclosed in a hidden cavity and secured by rope. To stop the sash from falling into the void, pierce it using a nail, and then let the weight go.
After the sashes have been removed Clean the jamb and meet rails. remove the glazing bars and sash cords and scrape off any paint from the sash stops with the help of a utility knife. Reattach the stops after the sashes have been put back in place. Use nails that are small enough not to puncture the balancing weight.
Reassemble the sash by inserting the upper sash first into its track, followed by the lower sash. Check that the sash stops and the frame are properly aligned. If needed, reconnect any beads used for parting. Reattach the sash cords or chains and attach the sash pulleys.