Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window repairs sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious 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 open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.

Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the Window repair to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a new one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash has been removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when 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 must be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in the previous step. You can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it open.