It s The Myths And Facts Behind Window Sash Repairs
Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any 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 are open. This article will show you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window repair near me sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate as time passes because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.
The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, take it off and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can install parting stops. 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 stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular window sash.
If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy costs.
It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the right position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it 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. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window repair near me sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the upvc window repair near me without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to find replacements.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.
After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, 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 usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. It is possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
After removing 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. It's important to take your time, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with 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 lubrication if it feels stiff.
With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.
It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.