Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by many factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window repair begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

To make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable sash by a rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

The majority of double glazing repairs near me-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's 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. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It is essential to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on the components. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

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

It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.