Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash Repair my windows And doors specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin 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). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window doctor trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length and then 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 day. When it's completely dried then apply a top 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 may wear out over time and use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be due to various reasons, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window 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 have to search for replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb level. As time passes, Repair My Windows And Doors these cords can get 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 place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. It is possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be removed 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, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and then fix it using the previous step. You can use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and simple to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it open.