Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, Window Repair which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to remove the Window Repair sash in order to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and Window repair help homeowners save money on energy bills.

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

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable upvc window repair sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once 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. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and simple to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.