What Is Window Sash Repairs And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It
Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. You can save future repair costs by catching the 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 teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for a long time. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take it off and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried then 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 window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could result in 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 some grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. Start 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 on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
window repair and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallet.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what you require. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or moved. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It is essential to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position.