Window sash windows repair Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take it off and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using the putty blade.

After the sash is cleaned, Sash Window Repair 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 can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, 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 it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this is an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Start 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 place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It is possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash window repair. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but 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 extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it open.