Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for many years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of 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 new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that solves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need to remove the window repairs near me sash to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem could be caused by many factors that include 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 then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools needed before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

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

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and Window repairs tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by pin punches and Window Repairs hammers. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what you require. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It's important to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

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

It's best to leave the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.