Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty blade.
When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to 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 and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.
Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This problem could be caused by many factors, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening 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). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up 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 position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.
After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than what you require. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on the components. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it using the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.