Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching these issues early on, window repairs before they get out of hand.

The sash is an internal frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (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, take it off and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window repair trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. After the putty has completely dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be due to a variety of factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window repairs near me. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge 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, windows that are old especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed 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 need an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you've got may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, window repairs you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to the components. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.