Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early on, before they become too much.

The sash is an inside frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at 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. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

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

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or the wrong 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 in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, double glazing Basildon and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the right location after you've completed. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable the sash with rope. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window repair Chelmsford without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to search for replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. 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 upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

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

Determine the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.