Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, can last for years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing repairs-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and window repairs their ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use and the result could be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that solves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are 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 close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and window repairs then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood which can be removed to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.