Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching problems early, before they get out of hand.

The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple sash upvc repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with minimal effort but this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable the sash with a rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to find replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to 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 components together. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes 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 area loose using mallets.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and require removal. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the small parting beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain, and then fix it using the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window replacement near me, you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.