Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an internal frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double glazed windows repair-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not 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 particular sash.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, unbolt 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 sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. 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 place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep your upvc windows repairs near me functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and Window Sash Repairs connected to the movable sash by rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to find replacements.

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

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

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, window sash repairs and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

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

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.