window repair Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (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 purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully dried it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.

window repair near me sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and window repairs a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.

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 at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for 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 within the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. You could employ a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down 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. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints 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 might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.