Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.
Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.
Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. 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 parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. upvc windows repairs will protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to remove the window sash to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort however, this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to many factors, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms 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, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs.
It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling 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'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be of the right size. After window glass repairs is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.
The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able move freely, however it may require some lubrication to make it 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 in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.