Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues early on before they become out of control.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin 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). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried, 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 holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also need an additional 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 with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, run the string through the sash 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 for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazing-hung window the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, 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 attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It's important to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in Step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely 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 too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window replacement near me, one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.