Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash is cleared, you can install 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 can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully dried it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, upvc window Repair (cairns.nsta.edu.au) such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame 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). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window Sash Window Repair, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior Sash Window Repair to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history include a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain, and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.