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Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they become out of control.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.
Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing near me-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry at least one day. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could result in the window or door repair that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy costs.
To make these sash repairs it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the Window repair without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.
After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may 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 keep it in place when opened.
The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and Window repair need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain, and then fix it using the previous step. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll 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 it open.
