Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can 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 much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, 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). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming 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 allow it to dry for at least one day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely to be 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 with minimal effort however, this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms on a upvc window repair begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and install a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a new one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

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

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window repair near me. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards 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. They are typically attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

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