Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

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

Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cured, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a local window repair begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix 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 is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to find replacements.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove 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. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in 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 fixed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and window sash repairs tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open, Window Sash Repairs measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and are easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.