Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an inside frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it’s worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find replacement weather stripping to match.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. 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 the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by — 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry for at least one day. Once it’s fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It’s good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and window repair you’ll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.
Ideally, Window Repair sashes must swing open and closed without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn’t properly glazed. This problem can be due to many factors such as a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame’s opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.
To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel’s location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back on place correctly when you’re finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It’s difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you’ll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized 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 section loose using a mallet.
Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you’ll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it’s worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don’t have an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it’s recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They’re not expensive and easy to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.