Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues early before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take it off and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This problem could be caused by many factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by a rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from the one you need. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the upvc window repairs near me. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. It is important to be patient as they're often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to the components. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.