Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early, before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. When the putty is fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, Window Repairs spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the upvc window repairs near me sash in order to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't glazed. This problem can be due to many factors, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length 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. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

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. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you 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 fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to starting 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 with a chisel or flat bar. It's important to take your time as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain, and then attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it open.