Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows 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, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

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 have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

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

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort but this is an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash.

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 in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the upvc window repair. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the right place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and Window Repairs fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out 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 using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it difficult 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.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them but it's 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 with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels 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 cord/chain, and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and simple to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.