Window Sash Repairs

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 the interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least 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 a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the right place when you are finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your upvc window repair near me sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or window repairs ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell 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 the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-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 using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for window repairs future adjustment.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. You could employ a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.