Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems early before they become too much.

The sash is an inside frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand 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 width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double glazing near me-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing 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. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if it resolves the problem. If the problem persists it's most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to various reasons that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and RepairMyWindowsAndDoors a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, repairmywindowsanddoors sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights 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. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb level. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or repairmywindowsanddoors flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require oiling if it seems 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 then secure it in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended 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. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.