Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.
The sash is an internal frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for a long time. However, window repair can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window brand 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 height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Next, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes 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 stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and 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 a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access the hardware.
Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't coated. This can be due to many factors such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Many times 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 energy costs.
It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.
It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. After the new weight has been installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when it is opened.
The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and require removal. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep it in an open position.