Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass window repair or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. 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 it resolves the problem. If the problem persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to take off the window sash window repair in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to locate replacements.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. You could use a hammer or sash window repair chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.