Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems early before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved 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 window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once 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 with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry for at least one 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 appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a upvc window repairs near me or upvc door repairs near me that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window Repair sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on the components. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain, and then fix it using the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.