Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early, before they become too much.
The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin 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 size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also use for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly coated. This can be due to various reasons that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove 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 particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
To complete these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. window repairs are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.
After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once 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 the correct size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it in an open position.