Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the window repairs Weybridge's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to many factors such as an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

To complete these sash repairs it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to find a new one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing repairs Birmingham-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore 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 usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is important to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and secure it in the step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and Repairmywindowsanddoors.Co.Uk shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.