Window repair Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early, before they become out of control.

The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers 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 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 out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top 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 window sashes can wear out over time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly covered with. This problem can be due to many factors that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell 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 a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and Window Repair then thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazed window repairs-hung window, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb level. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each piece. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.