Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching problems early, before they become out of control.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for many years. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window 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 width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take it off and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. 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 can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by many factors that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a upvc window repairs near me begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

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

To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to find replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

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. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It is possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out 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 the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on the components. The sash should move freely now, but it might require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and fix it using Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, Window Repair nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size and shape of your Window repair, you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.