Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues early before they become out of control.
The sash is an internal frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find replacement weather stripping to match.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty knife.
When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely the sash balance. It is necessary to take off the window sash to access the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed without effort, but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms 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 address 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 was attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
It is essential 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 in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance 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 the sash with rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use 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 need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer 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 size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when opened.
The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If window repairs Epsom is in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However 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 is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.