Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they may become damaged or degrade as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repair near me repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to 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. But, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds upvc window repairs near me sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Window sashes should 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 glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To complete these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie 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 cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off so that you can observe 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 old weights may be different in size from what you require. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can 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 typically nailed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on the components. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.