15 Shocking Facts About Window Sash Repairs That You Never Knew
Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. window repair Bedford are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely the sash balance. You will need to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinges 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 remedy the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.
It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take off 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 put it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable the sash with rope. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to let you view the inside of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you 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 has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each component. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.