Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood upvc window repair sashes add an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can be damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take it off and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty blade.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, Window Repairs and let it dry at least a day. After the putty has completely dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue continues, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to remove the window sash in order to reach this 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 connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be due to various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the right location after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by a rope to the movable window repair sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, 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 tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move 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 fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the small partsing beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and Repairer pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach 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.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.