Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your Sash Window Repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double glazed window repairs near me-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate 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 scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and sash window repair fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If the problem persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to find replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

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

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior 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've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and must be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. It's important to take your time, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.