Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues in the early stages, before they get out of hand.
The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.
The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer 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, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If window repair milton keynes is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. When the putty is fully dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). 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. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.
After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off 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 take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You might be able to use 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. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.
