8 Tips To Up Your Window Sash Repairs Game
Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.
double glazing Basildon Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is 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, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.
Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. 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 can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports 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 you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with very little effort, but this is difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by a variety of factors that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.
It is essential to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.
Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb level. Over time, these chains may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. 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 typically attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It is possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain, and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.