Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, take it off and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty blade.
After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.
It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting 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 putty. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to find replacements.
It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect 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 by pin punches and hammers. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.
After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be different sizes than what is needed. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It is essential to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If Harrow double glazing repairs don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.