Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights with 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.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Window sashes need to 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 can be due to many factors such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window repairman near me begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these chains may become damaged and Window Sash Repairs make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, window sash repairs 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 snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

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

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it open.