Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (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, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double glazing repairs near me-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes 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 for the parting and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't covered with. This problem can be due to many factors such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

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

To complete these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you to position the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and put 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 are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing 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.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter 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 with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be of the right size. Once 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 hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazing near me-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in position when it is 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 will require to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move freely, window repairs however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.