Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with 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. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.
Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve 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 need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.
It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove window repair and store it in an labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.
It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can view the inside of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be different in size from what you require. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. The sash should be able move freely, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it open.