Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future door repair costs by catching these issues early before they become too much.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that 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 could also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed onto 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 deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, 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 a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash door repair needs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to find replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult 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.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the small parting beads from their grooves. It's important to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.