7 Tricks To Help Make The Greatest Use Of Your Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early on, before they become out of control. The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple sash repair. Weather Stripping Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty longer 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. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners 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 from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade. After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard ½-inch by ¾-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood. After removing the stopper and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look. Sash Hardware The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware. Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly coated. Caterham window repairs can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the specific sash. If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure 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 have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3). Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills. It is essential to have the tools you need before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label. Sash Weights Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners. It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. 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 onto the sash cord. Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet. After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings. When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments. Sash Cords The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened. The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. You could employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work. After you have removed the access panel, 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. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff. With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage. It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and simple to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.