Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early, before they become too much.
The sash is an inside frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.
The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it’s worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (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 find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. Once you’ve taken the sash off, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.
When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split 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 use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully dried it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If the issue persists it’s likely to be due to the sash’s balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with very little effort, but this is difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn’t properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame’s opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you’ll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
To complete these sash repairs, it’s important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the correct location after you’ve completed. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in an labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you’ll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
Most old double glazing repairs Hertford-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you 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 locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. It is possible to remove them with the 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 begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called “tie rails”) out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it’s worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, repairs although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord, and then attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you’ve purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They’re not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window repairs Croydon two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.