Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, can last for years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair timber windows specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand 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 Window repair and set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace 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 trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If the problem persists it's likely that the sash window repair balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and Sash Window Repair shut without effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by many factors, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of 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 has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the right place when you are finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, 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 an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallets.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be cut off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have 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'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it open.