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Window Sash Repairs
Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.
The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. window repairs can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the glass 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 you can find new weather stripping that matches.
Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel and then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue continues, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be due to various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised section 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 an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.