Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early, before they get out of hand.
The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for
Window Repair years. They can, 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 fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. 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). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, take it off and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch
window repair trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds
Window Repair sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, but this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.
It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. 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 are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.
After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from the one you need. After the new weight is installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. You could employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. It is important to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place.