Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the
window doctor sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early on, before they become out of control.
The sash is an interior frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for a long time. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate 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 replace them with scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the 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 typically relatively easy and affordable. If you are 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 most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't glazed. This issue can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash has been 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).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable
window doctor sash using a rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes 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 then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have might not be the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then,
Window Doctor you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it in the step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.