Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages before they become out of control.

The sash is an inside frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window repair Loughton trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out with time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut without effort, but this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by various reasons such as the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to find replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from the one you need. Once the new weight has been installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazing Amersham-hung window, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, window repair Loughton then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it open.