Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the Window repair Grays (www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk) brand and the manufacturer's date (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 get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as 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, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or Window Repair Grays using the 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 trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to 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 cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out over time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to 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 with minimal effort but this is a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of 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 it is a matter of making a few minor window repair Grays adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

After the sash has been 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 a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

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 because the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing repair Stanmore-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these chains may become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and require removal. It may be possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It's important to be patient, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to the components. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and simple to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it open.