Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. 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). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double glazing repairs-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a Window repair or door that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to take off the window sash in order to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold 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 and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length 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 that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights which keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and render 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 place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and window repair hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each component. The sash should move freely, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less 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/chain and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace 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 open. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.