Five Window Sash Repairs Projects To Use For Any Budget
Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues early on before they get out of hand.
The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can be damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.
When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will 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 could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.
Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly coated. This can be due to various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed onto 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 particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.
It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and place 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 also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable the sash with rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when it is 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 need to be removed or relocated. It is possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. window repair is important to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then fix it using the previous step. You can use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.