Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early, before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double glazing repairs Streatham-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of double glazing repair Chingford compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable window sash using rope. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or Double Glazing Repairs Streatham ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing repair Wickford-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or double glazing repairs Streatham chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and then secure it in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer 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 easy to install if purchased them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.