Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically 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 the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly covered with. This problem can be due to various reasons such as the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

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 the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then remove it. 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 next (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

In order to make these sash repairs it is important to have all of 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 allow you to get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often 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 require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

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

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then 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 will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, Double Glazing repairs Farnborough run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing repairs Chatham glazing Repairs Farnborough (www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk)-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or moved. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each component. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not costly and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it open.