Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of 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 upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows 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. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double glazing near me-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and fitted tear of use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if that resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need to remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

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

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning 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 correct the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by a rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want 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.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority 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. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior 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. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazing repairs near me-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It's important 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 using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may 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 at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.