Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early on, before they become out of control.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start 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 size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and window repairs trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and window repairs closed with very little effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult 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 a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be different sizes than what is needed. After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window repair. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However 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. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.