Window Sash Repairs
Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they become too much.
The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If window repairs Bromley or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, remove the sash and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. Once the putty has fully cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.
Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.
It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Take off 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 energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.
A sash weight that has fallen 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 of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by 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 important to remove first 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 a mallet.
After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.
Determine the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer 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. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.