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 problems in the early stages, 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 make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, can last for a long time. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. 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). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can purchase 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-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it manually or window repairs using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window repairs trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. When the putty is fully cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. 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 from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

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

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional and 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 enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable window sash using a rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to locate replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight is installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold 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 usually nailed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep it in an open position.