Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future door repair costs by catching these issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is an internal frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, can last for years. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, begin 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 height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is centered in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners 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. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to locate replacements.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

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

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

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

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window repairs near me (http://www.haim.kr) one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it in an open position.