Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly 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 the interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window repairs sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window repair trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds 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 won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to various reasons, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is 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 inside workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from what is needed. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level in the jamb. 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 will keep it in its place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on the components. The sash should move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.