Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Begin by identifying the Window Repair brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch upvc window repairs near me trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and window repair then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able 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 connecting rail isn't coated. This could be caused by many factors, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

To make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric 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 damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to find replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening 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.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They are not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.