I am a homeowner (not a pro) and an amateur woodworker. I would appreciate someone either explaining the parts of a double hung, tilt sash window or point me to a very detailed reference work. My windows have the plastic runner assembly what is that called?
The windows work well but the sills rot. I have been making replacement sills for years and there are several that now need replacement. I would love to buy replacement sills but am not conversant in the pieces / parts.
One other point why the H_ _ _ don’t wooden window manufacturers paint the entire surface of the parts of the window assembly (including the cut ends of wood components). This would surely improve the longevity.
If someone cares to reply thank you.
Replies
The "Plastic" parts you refer to are likely the Jamb Liners. These act as parting beads between the sash frames and also as a weather strip. Often hiding spring loaded balances or are frictionized to hold the sash at the desired opening.
The sash them selves consist of stiles and rails just like any other assembly. and divided lites have muntins and mullions ( these terms are often jostled around loosely, and local vernacular can muddy the use) .
The botton rail of the Upper sash, is a "meeting" rail, or "Lock rail", as is the upper rail of the Lower sash..for obvious reasons. They can be vastly varied by age and maker.
The sill rail is the lower sash's bottom that seats on the actual sill. The inner (warm side) of the sill is oftn referred to as the "Stool" while the ext. side is the sill and if it has "horns" where the side trim sits on it, this is the most oft seen rot area.
I hope that helps.
Thank you.
Do you know if there are standard design principles for the construction of these pieces; e.g do sills commonly have a certain angle (mine seem to be 14deg).
My windows have three piece sills, the sill, the stool which attaches on the inside and a piece of trim which attaches to the front (cold side) of the sill and extends beyond the width of the widow assembly and provides a "seat" for the brick mold.
Are there names for the side and top pieces of the wood frame that houses the jamb liners and the sashes?
If you know the name brand of your windows, you can most likely find a PDF technical or CAD drawing of them fully detailed.Post the brand here and maybe get help finding that.
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Don't know, would the manuf. name be stamped in the window assmbly somewhere?
sometimes etched into the glass in the corner.Sounds like a low end manufacturer you are describing.Most use a wood preservative in the wood parts, but the way it is applied varies greatly, and there was a lot of bad preservative and applications of it back in the later '80s when govt made them quit using the good stuff so a lot of makers had claims on them for rot. Some got coverage and some didn't.Where your exterior sill extends past the casing is called ears by some of us
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I've seen sill slopes from 7 to 15 degrees generally. I stick with 12 myself, it's just a slope I picked up on yrs ago , like raised panels edges being 15...ingrained.
What you describe is "under sill" that the Brick mould would meet ( hard to see from my couch (G))...
The jamb parts are Legs and head...older windows w/out liners have a 3/8th x 3/4 " let in , removeable parting bead, even tho it isn't rounded usually, and inner and outer sash stops, that often are beaded or otherwise molded. Often an Ogee or cyma recta inside, and left 4 square out side.
Windows vary a lot my location, maker, and age.
Why factory work is not pre-primed is just basic economy of scale. It would add another step/cost that someone has to eat. Besides, I get paid handsomely to repair sash, no complaints from me. (G)Z
I'm not sure if it's still in print, but try to find a copy of "Ed Knox' Window Book". Excellent reference for wood window repair.
I'm pretty sure I got my copy from Builders Booksource in the San Francisco Bay area. MIGHT be something like http://www.buildersbooksite.com but don't hold me to it.
Okay, I just tried and it wasn't that link. Sorry about that. Try http://www.buildersbooksource.com
Edited 7/4/2009 11:23 am ET by jimblodgett
Here is a good book for understanding and working on wood windows.
http://www.amazon.com/Working-Windows-Guide-Repair-Restoration/dp/155821707X
Mike
Small wheel turn by the fire and rod, big wheel turn by the grace of god.