Window Sash Repairs

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

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double glazing-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two 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 trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports Window doctor sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Window sashes need 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-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and window Doctor replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

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

After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights could be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore 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 find and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.