Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs (Get More) is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window repair brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, window repairs you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

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

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's important to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by various reasons such as an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down 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 typically screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior Window Repairs to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It's important to take your time as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, remove 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 component. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord, and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.