Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become out of control.
The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. To fix it, start 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). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove 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, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
window repairs for windows should be able 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 glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to search for replacements.
It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want 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 new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside 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. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.
Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.