Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues early before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (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 the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a table so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide 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 use a piece of scrap wood.

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

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a door repair or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if it 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 access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with minimal effort however, this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address 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 was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window repairs (Repairmywindowsanddoors Co published a blog post) to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is crucial to take out 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 section loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

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

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

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

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.