Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for a long time. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash door repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use scrap wood.

After removing the stopper 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 at least a day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this is difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the right place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or simply to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight has been installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazing repairs-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on the components. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.