Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an inside frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your 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 if they are properly maintained. However, they can 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.
The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it’s loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.
Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least 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 new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a door or window that can’t be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing 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 open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance, and you’ll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.
Ideally, upvc window repairs near me, shinhwapack.co.kr, sashes should swing open and closed with very little effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn’t properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame’s opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, upvc Window repairs near me you’ll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.
To make these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you’re finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and store it in an labelled bag.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, upvc window repairs near me sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It is difficult to recover 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 the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.
After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is 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’ll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights could be different in size from what you require. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. You could employ a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called «tie rails») out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out which is why it’s worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.
Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It’s best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It’s not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they’ll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window repair you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.