Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for many years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash door repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, 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, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use, and the result can be a upvc door repairs Near me or window that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is screwed 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).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might 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 locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallet.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off 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 an access panel made of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll 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 might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. 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 up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.