Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty knife.
When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.
Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Many times, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.
It is essential to have the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that 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 the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to search for replacements.
It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. Colchester double glazing will also need a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.
After the sash is removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. It may be possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is important to take your time as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.
With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.