Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take window repair near me off and mark its height and width, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, take it off and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.
After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to various reasons, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.
It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to search for replacements.
It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. 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 installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or relocated. It is possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It's important to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.