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Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.
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 or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass repairs near me or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that 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 could also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, 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 cured and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with very little effort, but this is difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem could be caused by many factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
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 directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.
It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. 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. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what you require. After the new weight is installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double glazing repairs-hung local window repair, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you 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 typically screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave 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 purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.