Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. 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 up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, remove the sash and place it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds 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. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access this hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet.
After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights may be a different size than what you require. Once the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible 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. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize window repairs near me or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and secure it in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep it open.