Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width to find replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window begin 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 address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If double glazing Sunbury-on-Thames has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.
It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will 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 simply to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.
It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.
After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and require removal. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.