Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find replacement weather stripping 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 your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. window repair Bethnal Green will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports 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 can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
To make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.
After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash 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 usually screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.