Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you can 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 make several simple sash repairs.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.
Then, remove 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 ropes and weights that should be buried within the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. 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 could also use a piece of scrap wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry at least a day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's likely that the sash balance is off. You will need remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning 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 remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, 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 operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.
To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.
Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have may not be of the right size. Once 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, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when it is opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.
After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If Hitchin window repairs is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain, and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep it open.