10 Healthy Habits For Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wooden Window Repair sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.
The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts, Window Repair 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.
Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.
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 isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.
Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window repair near me. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
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 allow you to get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable the sash with rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to locate replacements.
It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the correct size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double glazing near me-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They are not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.
