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Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages before they get out of hand.
The sash is an internal frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, take it off and place it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This issue can be due to a variety of factors that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.
It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove window repairs and put it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by rope. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Later more.. used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallets.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be different in size from what you require. Once 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 at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards 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. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.
Measure the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and easy to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position.