Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues in the early stages, before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or window sash repairs normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Begin 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). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, take it off by hand or using a putty blade.

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

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window repairman near me. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and general inefficiency. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to position the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to find replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. 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 to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should move freely now, but it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it using Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it in an open position.