Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (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 get 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 has a double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash window Repair a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and Sash window repair replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if it solves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to a variety of factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can help these windows repairs near me function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie 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 these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or a mallet.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be of the right size. After the new weight has been installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. You could use a hammer or chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning 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 using a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed, sash window repair so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in the previous step. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it open.