Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues in the early stages before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

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

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. 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 blade.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. When the putty is fully cured, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If a sash window repair isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this solves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. 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).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, sash Window repair including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be different in size from what you require. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash windows repair cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. It is essential to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash in an open position 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 on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.