Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages, before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move up and window sash repairs down vertically in windows that open. This article will show you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for many years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance 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 loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing window repair-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from 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 important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This problem can be caused by a number of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address 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 screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to sash it is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to find replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what you require. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash window repair cords is to locate and Window Sash Repairs take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move around freely now, 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 from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain, and then fix it using the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it open.