5 Window Sash Repairs Lessons Learned From Professionals
Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early before they become out of control.
The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window repairs near me and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash is cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window repairs near me trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least one day. Once it's fully cured, 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 the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it solves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to take off the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut without effort, but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to many factors, including the lack of maintenance or window Repairs a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into 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). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.
It is essential to have the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to find replacements.
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 a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move 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 installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or moved. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to take your time as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.
