How You Can Use A Weekly Window Sash Repairs Project Can Change Your L…

Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for a long time. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace 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, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, window sash repairs such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from 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).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords 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 store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move 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 fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It's important to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, upvc windows repair nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and are easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it in an open position.