Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they become out of control.
The sash is an interior frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
The first step in 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 lead to drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the window repairs‘s brand and the glass manufacturer’s date (etched on the glass’s corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access 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. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.
Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window repair near me trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. When the putty is fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use, and the result can be a door or window repairs that can’t be opened or closed easily. It’s important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you’ll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn’t properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash’s to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame’s opening and take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you’ll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the proper location after you’ve completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you’ll need to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that 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 the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of old double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out which is why it’s worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on the components. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. 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 to cause damage.
If you don’t have an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It’s cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they’ll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size of your upvc window repairs near me, two or three sash weights might be required to keep it open.