Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early on, before they become too much.
The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.
The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of 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, and then remove it manually or using a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. After the putty has completely cure and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and 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 generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If the problem persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This issue can be due to various reasons such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
To complete these repairs to sash it is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at 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 are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.
After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood 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 will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It is essential to be patient, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each component. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.
Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. window repairs Mile End can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.
