The Reasons Window Sash Repairs Is More Tougher Than You Think
Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become out of control.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After window repairs near me have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then open it to see if this solves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash to access the hardware.
Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
To make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.
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 to secure the new weights to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. After 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 hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer or chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and fix it using the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.