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window repairs Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an inside frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they may become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.
Then, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, 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 trimmings from the lumberyard. However, housesofindustry.org you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry at least one day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If the problem persists it's most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with minimal effort but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem could be caused by many factors such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.
In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to find replacements.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.
After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.
