Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.
When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use scrap wood.
After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with very little effort, but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to various reasons such as a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
In order to make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallets.
After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.
window repair of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it open.