Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window 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 width and height to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a window or door that isn't able to open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening 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). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. 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 typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional 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. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be a different size than what you require. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and Sash Window Repair lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. It is possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to take your time, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash window repair opened. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash window repair in an open position.