Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as 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 replacement weather stripping that matches.
Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.
After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. After the putty has completely dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). window repair will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash 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 store it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It is essential to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on the components. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought 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 not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it in an open position.