Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm 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 homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy costs.
To complete these sash repairs, it's important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.
It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.
Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be different in size from what is needed. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. window repair near me are usually nailed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You could employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should be able move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and simple to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it open.