Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degrade as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much 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 could cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your upvc window repair and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find replacement weather stripping to match.

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 is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch Window Repair trimming from the lumberyard. However, window repair you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length then 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. After the putty has completely 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 supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, window repair such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinges 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 take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

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

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each piece. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and attach it as described in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.