Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate as time passes because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue could be caused by various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window repairs sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Window Repairs Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It's important to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each piece. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley on 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 use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.