window repair near me
Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on repairs in the future.
The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to do simple repairs to sash.
Weather Stripping
Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.
The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.
Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.
Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use scrap wood.
After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length then 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 a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.
Sash Hardware
The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. It is necessary to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.
Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This problem could be caused by many factors that include the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.
If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve 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).
Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.
It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.
Sash Weights
Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable the sash with rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to search for replacements.
A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.
Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.
After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.
After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will 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 old weights may be a different size than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.
Sash Cords
In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when opened.
To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.
Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to be patient, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. The sash should move freely now, but it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.
Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.
It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it open.