Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on, before they become too much.
The sash is an interior frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. However, 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 for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. 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 that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds 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 isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to reach this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old especially 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.
It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the right position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to find replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
window repairs near me are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallets.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.