Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an internal frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It’s found on both the sash and frame. If it’s loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, window repair begin by determining your window’s brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, take it off and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you’ll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you’ve removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch Window Repair trim from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once it’s fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear 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 fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you’re having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you’ll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn’t properly glazed. This problem can be due to many factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash’s to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that’s in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you’ll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the hinge channel’s location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They function as counterbalances, Window Repair allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.
After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, 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 screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it’s best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free which is why it’s worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of 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 fix it using the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It’s best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They’re not costly and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.