A Reference To Window Sash Repairs From Start To Finish
Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early before they get out of hand.
The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.
The first step for sash window repairs is addressing 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. Start by identifying the window's brand and the 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 purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that divide 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 use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
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 generally relatively easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by many factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame's opening and 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). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
It is essential to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window repairs to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to find replacements.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the. 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 to the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.
Once the sash is freed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can 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.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each component. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less 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 in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and simple to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.