Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using the putty blade.

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

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for fitted at least a day. After the putty has completely dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut without effort, but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

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

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing repairs-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in position 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 require removal. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. 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 open. Based on the size and shape of your window repair, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.