5 Window Sash Repairs Lessons From The Professionals
Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early, before they become too much.
The sash is an internal frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.
The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in 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 use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over 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 usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the window sash to reach this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with minimal effort but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to many factors such as an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and window repairs then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
It is important to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window repair near me sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require 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.
Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts 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 and can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight has been installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size and Window Repairs shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.
