Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they become out of control.
The sash is an internal frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured 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 due to the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to various reasons, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening 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). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable window sash using rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes 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 part loose using mallets.
Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be cut off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in position when it is opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.
Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it as described in the previous step. window repairs can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.