If you live in a heritage home in Australia’s capital, you might be struggling with your windows. Windows on heritage homes are often as old as the house itself, meaning they are prone to a number of age-related problems. However, since your windows are a heritage feature and likely add character to your home, you may not wish to replace them. With this in mind, knowing how to rectify issues with your windows is very important.
In this blog, we will discuss common problems of Canberra home windows and how to fix them.
Common Issues With Heritage Windows and how to Fix Them
Draughts and Air Leaks
Does your home struggle with cold draughts? This issue can be more than just annoying, it can cause higher energy bills due to hot air escaping and cold air seeping in. This issue is caused by gaps around the frames, poor sealant or weatherstripping.
Fix
This problem can be easily rectified by recaulking the exterior frame and applying new weatherstripping to the movable part of the window. You can also increase the energy efficiency of the window by investing in double glazed doors in Canberra. Alternatively, thermal curtains can block out the draft if needed.
Condensation Between Panes
Have you ever noticed condensation between the panes of your double-glazed window? This is a sign of failed sealant around your windowpane.
Fix
A window installer can provide a defogging service to remove the moisture trapped between the panes of glass. Then they will reseal the window to fully rectify the problems. However, in severe cases you might have to consider replacing the window with double glazed uPVC windows.
Rattling Glass Panes
In some older single-glazed windows, the glass may rattle in its frame. This can contribute to drafts and air leaks.
Fix
To stop this, a window installer will replace the old putty keeping the window in place with new putty in a process known as reglazing. This will secure and seal the glass.
Dropping or Sticky Sashes
Some may find their old windows are difficult to open or close, requiring huge force to open. Alternatively, the sashes may be too loose to stay open.
Fix
The solution is easy. Lubricate the sash pulleys and balances with silicone spray and/or reset the tilt pins in double hung windows.
Water Leaks
Are you experiencing water getting into your window during the rain?
Fix
To weatherproof your windows, reapply exterior caulk and check the weatherstripping is intact. If there is an issue with the weatherstripping, replace it completely.
Exposed Or Rotting Wooden Frames
Flaking paint or aluminium wrapping may be a sign of wood rot. It is important to rectify this before further damage occurs.
Fix
Strip the frame of old finishes and treat and repaint the wood. If the wood is perishing or particularly rotten, consider calling in the experts to perform a professional restoration.
Broken Ropes or Weights
Traditionally, sash windows use lead or cast-iron weights and sash cords (ropes) in a pulley system for counterbalance. This makes them easy to open and stay open. The weights are hidden inside pockets and move in the opposite direction to the sash via a strong cord over a pulley. These features add to the authenticity and feel of the window.
Fix
Replace the balance mechanism and sash cords.
When to Call in a Professional
While some fixes can be done by a layperson, for more complex problems it is vital to call in the experts. They will ensure the best quality fixes to help your windows last as long as possible.
You should call in the experts when:
- You are experiencing structural issues, significant wood rot or persistent leaks.
- DIY fixes haven’t worked or are too complex.
- You are experiencing severe condensation.
- You require a replacement window or wish to double-glaze existing windows.
How Double-Glazing can Enhance Historical Windows
Have you rectified problems with your windows, but you are still experiencing cold air from your window? Even properly sealed and weatherproofed single glazed windows let in the cold due to being poorly insulated. They also exhibit a range of other problems including:
- Poor Thermal Insulation and High Energy Costs: A lack of insulation means that cold air comes into the property during winter and heat enters during summer. This makes it more expensive to cool and heat your house.
- Condensation and Mould: Single-glazed windows are prone to condensation as warm, moist indoor air hits the cold glass. This can lead to black mould or damage to window frames.
- Poor Sound Insulation: Single-glazed windows let in noise from outside, such as traffic or construction, reducing the calm of your home’s inside environment.
- Security issues: Single-glazing feature only one layer of glass. This can easily be broken, owhich is why many homeowners switch toaluminum framed windows for added durability and security.
Double-glazing rectifies these issues. Double-glazed windows boast great insulation, condensation resistance, good sound insulation and improved security.
Are you interested in double-glazing but you want to keep your historical windows? Due to new cutting-edge techniques, it is now possible to retrofit existing heritage windows with double-glazing. Specialist retrofitting methods preserve the original frames and appearance. This option is especially useful to those in heritage or listed properties where window frames cannot be replaced due to restrictions.
This can be achieved in a number of ways:
- Specialists can remove the existing single pane and modify the original timber sash to fit a new double-glazed unit.
- Slim-profile or Vacuum Insulated Glazing: Modern glass units are slimmer than standard double glazing, allowing them to fit in existing frames. VIG units can offer thermal performance comparable to modern triple glazing.
- Secondary Glazing: This involves fitting an additional piece of glass or acrylic to the indoor side of the existing window, create an insulating air gap.
- For traditional sash windows, weight may be added to the sash weight to make sure the window works properly after double glazing installed.
Do You Want to Retrofit Your Historical Windows With Double-Glazing?
Oknalux are specialist double and triple-glazing experts. We boast decades of combined experience in delivering exceptional service and high-quality double-glazing products. We have the expertise to handle historical windows.
Call us on 1300 265 250 or use the livechat option on our website to discuss your needs with our friendly team.
