Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for a long time. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has been double glazing repair Herne Bay-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could 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 on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and Double glazing repair Richmond let it dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This 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 due to the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door 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 oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need 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 lack of energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

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

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is 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 take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing repair richmond-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on the components. The sash should move freely, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.