Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they get out of hand.
The sash is an interior frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it’s loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass’s corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take it off and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you’ll also need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you’ve removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.
After the sash is cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then 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 look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually 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 it fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you’ll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.
Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn’t properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you’ll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
In order to make these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the right location after you’ve completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you’ve got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time these cords can break, Repair Window making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in position when opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them but it’s best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as “tie rails”) out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time as they’re often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, break 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 might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.
Determine the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain, and then attach 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’ve purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It’s cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they’ll be simple to install once you’ve got the sash unlocked. Depending on the dimensions and window Sash Repairs shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.