Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take it off and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.
When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. 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 it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
In order to make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new 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.
window repair near me and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by 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 crucial to remove first 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 the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.
After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.
The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and require removal. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It is essential to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.
Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.