window repair Carshalton Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an internal frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window repair Bedford damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, Window repair Carshalton take the sash off and mark its height and width, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared and window repair Carshalton clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide 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 a piece of 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 it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to the components. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

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

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep it in an open position.