Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues early before they become too much.
The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. 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 to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.
Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't coated. This problem can be due to a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
In order to make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. window repairs near me that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
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 new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep 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 usually nailed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer or chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may need 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 in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.