window repairs Greenwich Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they may become damaged or degraded over time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They 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 use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry 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 new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If the issue continues it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't coated. This issue can be due to various reasons, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve 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 of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then attach the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazing repairs Canterbury-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. 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 usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. You could employ a hammer and sash chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can either use 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 that will replace the counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.