Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand 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 width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double glazed window repairs-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. When the putty is 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 holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the problem. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular window repair (view publisher site) sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what you require. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

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

If you don't have an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window repair near me two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.