Window Sash Repairs
Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching problems early on, before they become out of control.
The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.
Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty blade.
Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stopper and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully cured, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern 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 window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed without effort, but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.
In order to make these sash repairs it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.
After window repairs is released, you can remove the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.
To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You could use a hammer or chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.
With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as 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 best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.