Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden emergency window repair sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket 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 with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then open it to see if it solves the issue. 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.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to a variety of factors, including a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, Window Sash Repairs can be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

To make these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back It is therefore important to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel which can be removed to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to the components. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open 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 at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They are not expensive and simple to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.