Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues in the early stages, before they become too much.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, take it off and set it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing double glazing Rochdale with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, 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 scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, 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 at least a few days. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled 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 is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.
With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep it open.