Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared 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. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

To make these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the right position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that 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 of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than what you require. After the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazed window repairs-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards 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 installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need 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 on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've 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 open. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position.