The Lesser-Known Benefits Of Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages, before they get out of hand.
The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty knife.
When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.
After removing Milton Keynes window repair for parting and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).
Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
To complete these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.
It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.
Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.
After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights may be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in position when it is opened.
The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.
After the access panel has been removed, 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. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.
Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it as described 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 if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it open.