What You Can Use A Weekly Window Sash Repairs Project Can Change Your Life
Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they get out of hand.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, window repairs may become damaged or degrade as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty blade.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the 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 stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, but this is an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to a variety of factors that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. Sometimes 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 important to have the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and store it in an labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to find replacements.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.
The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.