Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair timber windows specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with minimal effort but this is difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by many factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash Window repair to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed 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, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and sash window repair close, due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

To make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window repair 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 a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

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

After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain, and Sash Window Repair then fix it using the previous step. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and simple to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.