Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an inside frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty 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 and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can 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 out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and 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 out to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort however, this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to various reasons, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
In order to make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the right place when you are finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash 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 put it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. window repairs near me made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.
After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.
The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on the components. The sash should move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.