Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degrade in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with very little effort, however, this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

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 a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and double get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazed window repairs-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or double chisel. It is essential to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it using the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails, 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 have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.