Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an inside frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. 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. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly covered with. This can be due to a variety of factors such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical 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 fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.
window repairs near me -hung windows of the past include a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays 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 fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer or chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it may require oiling if it seems 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 in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it 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 best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.