Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for many years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window repair damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers 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, remove the sash and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes 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 away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and fitted 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. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if it resolves the problem. If the issue persists it's most likely the sash balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to various reasons, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window repair near me begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back in 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 hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

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

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel which can be removed to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

Once 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. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.