Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, Window repair mildew, and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early on before they become too much.

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand 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 so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch Window Repair trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window repair sashes can wear out over time and with use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut without effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinges on a window repairs near me begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. When 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 want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what you require. Once the new weight has been installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. 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 will keep it in its position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior Window repair to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.