Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues in the early stages before they become out of control.

The sash is an inside frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash was double glazing repair Kilburn-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty blade.

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

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, double Glazing Repairs Kettering the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort however, this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is 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, may be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with 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 labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old Double Glazing Repairs Kettering-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb level. 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 upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and require removal. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it 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 weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.