Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
The first step for sash window repair s is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty blade.
After the sash is cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue can be due to a variety of factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
To make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer or chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord, and then fix it using the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.