Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degrade in time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double glazing repair-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these 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 stopper and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. After the putty has completely dried it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair my windows and doors needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow for 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 in the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

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

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.