Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date of manufacture for the glass (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 that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleaned, 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 could also use scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, 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 it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window replacement sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by many factors, including the lack of maintenance or 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 in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older houses, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To make these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable the sash with rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed 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. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, fitted as the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and must be removed. It is possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the tiny parting beads from their grooves. It is important to be patient, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open 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 cord/chain and attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.