Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they may become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash Window Repair repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. 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, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double glazed repairs near me-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer 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. Once the putty has fully cure it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this is an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to place the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

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 properly. You will also require a fresh 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 windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in 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 removed, you'll be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing window repair-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in 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 screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It's important to take your time, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window repair near me, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.