Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by finding your window 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 the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty knife.
Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. Once the putty has fully dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if that resolves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, 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 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 is attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash 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. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. window repairs that keep the parts together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.
After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its position when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be removed and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each component. The sash should be able move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.