Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood upvc window repair sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem could be caused by various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the 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. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and Window Repairs then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord, and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.