The Reasons Window Sash Repairs Isn't As Easy As You Imagine

Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degrade as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for 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 it's worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand 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 to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, 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 at least a few days. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue can be due to various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy upvc repairs, http://aiga.oktomato.net/bbs/Board.php?bo_table=online&wr_id=182540, can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window doctor sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near 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 removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these chains may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays 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 nailed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each component. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.