Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an interior frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repair near me repairs, gwwa.yodev.net, is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using 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 modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and window repairs require removal. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It's important to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap 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 one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it open.