Cecelia Hurwitz asked 4 months ago
Window Sash Repairs
Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early on, before they become out of control.
The sash is an internal frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash upvc repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.
Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it’s damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. 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). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, take it off and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty knife.
After the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.
After removing the stoppers for fitters parting and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, Fitters and let it dry for at least a day. When it’s completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It’s important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely to be due to the sash’s balance. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.
Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn’t coated. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific sash.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner that’s directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you’ll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).
Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older houses, could 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.
It is crucial to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the right position after you’ve finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.
Sash Weights
Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable upvc window repairs sash using a rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.
A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you’ll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.
After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.
Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down 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 screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be prised free, so it’s worth taking your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.
Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.
If you haven’t purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They’re not costly and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.