Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they may become damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows repairs that have sash. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts and other problems. 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). Remove the sash, and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. 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 take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

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

sash Window repair Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on 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 fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

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

In order to make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the right place when you are finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and sash window repair equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or sash window repair just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore 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. They are typically attached by nails or screws and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.