How To Tell If You re Prepared To Go After Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find replacement weather stripping to match.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or with a putty knife.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully cured and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then open it to see if it solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware.
The ideal situation is for window repair sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to a variety of factors that include the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, 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, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
To make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window repair sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length 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. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones 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 part loose using mallets.
Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to the components. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.