Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. window repair 's on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.
After the sash is cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cure and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely that the sash balance is off. You will need remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms 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 fix the problem make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.
To complete these repairs to sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.
After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight has been installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in position when it is opened.
The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each piece. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash open, 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 cord or chain, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.
