Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate as time passes because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer 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. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty knife.
After the sash is cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from 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 typically very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if it resolves the problem. If the problem persists, it is most likely the sash balance. It is necessary to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to a variety of factors, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.
It is crucial to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and store it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to find replacements.
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 fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
window repairs Acton made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of these pegs have an enormous 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 made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.
After the sash has been removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.
Determine the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.