Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform 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 get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. However, sash upvc repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is 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. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut without effort, but this is an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer 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 important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, Glazed you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards 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. They are typically nailed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.