What Is The Reason Window Sash Repairs Is The Right Choice For You?
Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. If window repairs catch these issues early, you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it manually or with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They 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 can also use scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This 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 could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in 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 screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to locate replacements.
It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh 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 with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area 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 through tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed so that you can view the inside of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in position when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/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 secure it as 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 weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.