Window Sash Repairs
Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. double glazing Clacton-on-Sea can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues early on, before they become too much.
The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.
Weather Stripping
Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.
The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. 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). Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.
Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. 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 is clear it is time to replace 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 trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that supports the 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. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it solves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.
The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to many factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.
To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.
Sash Weights
If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.
It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.
Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to remove 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 crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.
After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.
Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have may not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string for future adjustments.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.
After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.
With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and fix it using the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not costly and simple to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.