Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an internal frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, can last for a long time. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.
The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.
Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cured and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. window repair near me will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to various reasons that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
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 opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen 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, older windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.
It is essential to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable window sash using rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. It may be possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out 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 small parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. 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. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.
With the sash open 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 at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.