15 Interesting Facts About Window Sash Repairs That You Didn't Know About
Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes 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 interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant 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 as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, and then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This issue can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.
It is crucial 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 get the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by a rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to locate replacements.
It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.
Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually window repairs is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.