Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you will save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards 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 provide a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.
When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop 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. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem could be caused by various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and general lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.
After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the correct size. After window repair near me is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. As discover this , these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.
