Window Sash Repairs: Myths And Facts Behind Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand 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 width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove window repair from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty knife.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out with time and use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut without effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.
To complete these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding 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 size on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight has been installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed 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, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting 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 out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash remains 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 the components. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.