Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, Window Repairs remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window repair near me sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If the problem persists it's likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut without effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty 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 labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable sash by rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When 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 want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place, 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 at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.

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

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.