Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, Window Repair Near Me they will last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop 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 tool, and allow it to dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

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

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured 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).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the right location after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in an labelled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing repairs-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will require to be removed or moved. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. 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 remove the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not costly and are easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.