Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two 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 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 over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. When the putty is fully cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.
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 that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.
To make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be different in size from the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. window repair near me keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these chains can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer or chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on the components. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff.
With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.