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Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early before they get out of hand.
The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.
The first step for sash window repair s is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Start 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 width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take it off and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash is cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cured and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple 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 it solves the issue. If the problem persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to place the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.
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 need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be a different size than what you require. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb level. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in position when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it using the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.