Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin 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). 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, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is Double glazing Repairs Acton-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the 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 can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. When the putty is fully cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

Window sashes should open and double glazing repairs Hayes close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of 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 (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and Double Glazing Repairs Acton shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one 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, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and Double glazing repairs acton then thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazing repairs Hayes-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. 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 keep it in position when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should move freely, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it using the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.