5 Window Sash Repairs Lessons From Professionals
Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early before they get out of hand.
window repairs near me is an interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade.
Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these 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 trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured then 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 holds the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut without effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you to place the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.
After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually nailed 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 before beginning 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 parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should be able move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it open.