The Often Unknown Benefits Of Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early before they become out of control.
The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. 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.
Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start 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). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to access 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 that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty blade.
After the sash is cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also use with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely the sash balance. It is necessary remove the window sash to reach this hardware.
Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.
To complete these repairs to sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and a mallet.
After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off 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 remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If window repair is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.