8 Tips To Up Your Window Sash Repairs Game
Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues early before they get out of hand.
The sash is an inside frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window repairs brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash is double glazed window repairs-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry at least a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need remove the window sash to reach this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with minimal effort however, this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
To complete these repairs to sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the right location after you've completed. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.
It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallet.
After the sash has been removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.
The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You could use a hammer or chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.
