Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and window sash repairs width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and window sash repairs trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

The ideal situation is for emergency window repair sashes to swing open and closed without effort, but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to position the channel in the right location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. Once the new weight is installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. You could employ a hammer and chisel to remove them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing 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 the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure 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 attach it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.