Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an internal frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating 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 from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.
To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.
After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once 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
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes balanced within the jamb. 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 up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.
The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
Measure the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not costly and simple to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on window repair near me of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.