Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, can last for a long time. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window's 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 that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing near me-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully cured, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

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

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. It is possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, fitted you are able to begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

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

If you don't have an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.