Window Sash Repairs 101"The Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages before they get out of hand.
The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also use with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating 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 won't open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If the problem persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
It is essential to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find replacements.
It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which 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 for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential 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 the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. window repairs near me can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it using Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.