Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. window repair near me can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they get out of hand.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.
Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (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 fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.
In order to make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the right position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.
Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, 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, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore 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 installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. The sash should move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.
Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then 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.
Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.