Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues early, before they get out of hand.
The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for a long time. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
The first step for sash
window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Start by identifying the
window repairs brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then,
Window Repairs remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.
After the sash is cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound 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 will protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the
window repairs near me sashes can wear out with time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash,
Window Repairs spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, but this is an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could 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 remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs.
In order to make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all 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 into position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. 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.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to 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 cut off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once 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 the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it 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 screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You could use a hammer or chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom.