Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an inside frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can be damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts and 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 you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. double glazing Margate are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.
Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve 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, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
It is essential to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able move freely now, but it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in the previous step. You can employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.