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Window Sash Repairs
Many homeowners don't care about window sashes -- as long as they can be closed and opened, they keep outside air out and the interior air in. However, over time, they can begin to wear out, causing drafts, air leaks or even sashes that stick.
With a sash propped up on a homemade easel and a glass, the artist creates glazing points into a gap. He also scrapes paint off and then applies a wood preservative to the frame.
Sash Weights
If your windows aren't opening and closing in a smooth manner or are sticking due to a problem with the counter-balancing system, it's possible that a could be the cause. It could be caused by an ailing or damaged sash chain or a loose or misaligned weight, or a damaged or cracked pulley.
The sashweights are small boxes made of cast iron that support the counter-weight system and help support the sash. They are found in the bottom rails of each window frame and are covered with an access panel made of wood that can be removed to reveal their whereabouts. These panels can be removed for access to the sash weight pockets to clean, repair or replacement.
If you've used sash windows for a period of time, it's likely that you have a problem with weights on the sash that cause them to sag or catch. The weights can be too heavy (they should be slightly heavier than top sash) or they've been installed in a way that isn't correct.
To resolve this issue take out the stops (the trim that runs along the inside edge of the window where it meets the frame to hold it in position). Put them away. You'll need to do this gently so as to not damage the shape of the two rails. You can then use a hammer to separate the stiles and rails and then inspect them for damage.
After inspecting the rails and stiles of the sash, put dust sheets on the floor and start working. Start by removing the wood pegs from the mortise and the tenon joints using a pin punch and a screwdriver or hammer. After the pegs have been removed you can begin disassembling the sash by taking out the sash stop moldings as well as removing any sash cord knots still in place, and finally, removing the sash itself.
The next step is to weigh the sash to determine how much weight it needs for proper functioning. You can find vintage replacement sashweights online or in a few home improvement stores. Be sure to get the correct size to avoid over or under-weighting the sash.
Sash Cords
Sash cords that have worn out or broken can lead to sash window issues. The weights put constant pressure on the sash's cords and this can cause them break over time. If cords break, sashes won't be able to open and close easily. The problem may be caused due to excessive force, aging or a lack of maintenance or the accumulation of moisture. When you repair windows, it's important to replace the old cords with new ones that are made of an material that lasts and resist moisture.
Begin by removing the inner stop strips, the thin wood strips that hold the sashes in their place Utilizing a utility blade and a Chisel. Remove the stops from the sashes with care and keep an eye out for cracked or broken ones. After removing the stops, you can access the weights on the sash by opening the jamb or removing the weight pocket.
Accessing the sash's cords requires some extra effort however it's not too difficult with the right tools and perseverance. First, remove the old cords by cutting them near their knots, and then pulling them away. Take the sash off and set it aside. Take off the staff bead, the nail that holds the sash in place. Install an approximately one foot into the hole. This will keep the sash in place while you finish stringing counterweights.
After installing the upper sash then reattach the sash cords and ensure that the sashes are in a balanced position and move smoothly. Then, you can reinstall the lower sash, and repeat the process, making sure that the sashes are properly seated and moving smoothly.
Reattach the sash cables once you have installed the counterweights. Thread the cord through the pulleys and then through the knot hole in the sash. Repeat the process for each side of the sash until all the cords are replaced and the sashes are operating normally again.
Air and Drafts Leaks
Over time, the materials that seal your sash window to the frame of your home deteriorate. This causes drafts and energy loss. A thorough inspection can reveal problem areas and guide your window sash repair options. Your comfort preferences and skill level influence whether you are able to handle window repairs to your sash or require professional assistance. The status of the property in the past and structural integrity concerns influence the scope of work that is required.
If cold air enters through a drafty window, your furnace must work overtime to keep your home warm. This inefficiency eats into your heating costs and reduces the efficiency of your home's HVAC system. Drafts can also impact the quality of air inside and disrupt indoor comfort by adding allergens, pollutant and humidity from outside.
A drafty window can be identified by the sensation of cold air coming into an area, even though all doors and windows are shut. Other telltale signs are an increase in temperature close to the window, and condensation around the sill or frame.
Fixing drafty windows can be a simple task, which can reduce your energy costs and increase comfort inside. First, inspect the exterior of the window. Examine for bare wood and areas where the old caulking has cracked, opening the gap to cold air.
Examine the sash's interface with the frame, including the parting bead and staff bead. Examine the condition of the weather stripping (felt strips or foam tape) at these points to determine if it's still intact and working. If not, this needs to be replaced.
Consider the condition of glazing putty. It's a hard putty used to hold panes of tempered glass in place. Examine for cracks and crumbling that could expose the sash's surface moisture. This can lead to problems with mold and damage to the glass.
To fix the problem, apply a bed of fresh glazing putty to the inside of your window. With a flat-blade screwdriver push the glazing points into place to fix them. Wrap a piece or fabric and foam around each point. This acts as insulation against cold air.
Aesthetics
Window repair for sash windows can give older windows a new appearance at a cost less than a full window replacement. A complete window replacement could be costly and time-consuming project, especially for older homes. Repairing window sashes can be an excellent method to restore a home's original beauty and value.
Keeping replacing window sashes on the condition of windows sashes is important to prevent major issues. It is best to consult a professional if you are not sure if your windows require repair. The cost of a sash repair is often much cheaper than the cost to replace the whole window, and can save your home energy costs as well.
The first step is to lower the upper sash down to the bottom. This is typically easy and allows you to observe the "parting beads" that are grooved bits on the rails that keep the two sliding sashes apart. They can be removed by a blade from a small pry-bar or a putty knife. They are typically put in place with nails and then painted, so you must be careful not damage them or the sliding sash.
After removing the beads that separate, you will need to remove the covers for your pockets. They are pieces of wood in the frame, lower down, that give access to the sash weights and are normally fixed with nails - they could also be glued with paint, so it is important be cautious. Once they've been removed, the sash can be moved between the two sides to ensure that it moves smoothly.
If it's not, there could be an issue with the counterweights or sash cords. After you've inspected all of these, you can fix them as required.
Wooden windows have a natural beauty that blends in with both traditional and contemporary style interiors. The options for staining or painting are endless. Wooden windows require regular maintenance to keep them from rotting and damage.