Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early before they get out of hand.
The sash is an internal frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for a long time. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed without effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinges 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 remedy the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install window repairs (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.
It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you to place the channel in the right place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. window repairs with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to find replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.
Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what you require. After the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.
