Five Window Sash Repairs Lessons Learned From Professionals
Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they become out of control.
The sash is an inside frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step to sash window repairs (Olderworkers.com.au) is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.
Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without using 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.
It's not easy 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 string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used 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 removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. It is possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it might require oil if it feels stiff.
Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.