Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they become out of control.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's 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, remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully dried and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with minimal effort however, this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to many factors that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix 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 is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.
To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to search for replacements.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down 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 need to be removed or repositioned. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and are easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Based on window repairs Kilburn and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.