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 will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an inside frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.
window repair Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than 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 worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleaned, you can 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 can also replace them with scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.
Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't glazed. This problem can be due to various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched 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 remedy the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.
In order to make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through an opening at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to take your time, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on the components. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.
Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position.