Window Sash Repairs Tips From The Top In The Industry
Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal 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.
The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.
Then, take it off and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, 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 with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing double glazing repairs Margate and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated 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. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, but this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
In order to make these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It's important to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and simple to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.