Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they may become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, replacements it could cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping 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 likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window repair near me trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. When the putty is fully cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and Replacements tear due to time and usage 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 generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash, 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 pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to place the channel in the correct location after you've completed. 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 hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure 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 that hold the parts together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It is essential to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and simple to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.