Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they may become damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, start 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). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't covered with. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix 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 has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in position when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. window repairs are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or relocated. You could employ a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.