Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great 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 as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window 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 height and width, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch upvc window repairs near me trim from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. 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 some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If the issue persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You will need to take off the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't covered with. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window Sash Window Repair using a rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell 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 sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using pin punches and hammers. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallet.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. First, Sash window repair weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move 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 fixed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.