10 Unexpected Window Sash Repairs Tips
Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn 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). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty knife.
After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to remove the window sash to access the hardware.
Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to various reasons that include an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
To make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep 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 that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure 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 pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed 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 old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave Canterbury double glazing repairs of space at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise 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 screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and simple to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.