Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues in the early stages, before they get out of hand.
The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
The first step for sash window repair s is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (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 new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take it off and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't glazed. This issue can be due to a variety of factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.
To complete these sash repairs it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.
It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallet.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside 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 new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when opened.
The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.
Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it in the step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.
