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Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching the issues early on, before they become too much.
The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they may become damaged or degrade over time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (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 replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, take it off and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you’ll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you’ve removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that won’t open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you’re having difficulty opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you’ll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn’t properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash’s to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that’s opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you’ll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).
Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.
To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the correct location after you’ve completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Take off the old Sash window repair and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to search for replacements.
It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you’ll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallets.
After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. 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 inside workings.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you’ve got may not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double glazing windows repair-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and sash window Repair keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called “tie rails”) out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be prised free, so it’s worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.
Measure the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
If you haven’t purchased an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They’re not costly and are easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.