Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages, before they become out of control.
The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degrade over time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.
Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use scrap wood.
After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. Once the putty has fully cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort however, this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is centered 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).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable window sash using rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to locate replacements.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. window repairs of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to 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 for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in position when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It is essential to take your time 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, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.