Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early before they get out of hand.

The sash is an internal frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, can last for a long time. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should be buried inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or window repairs door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window repair near me to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

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

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.