Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues early on before they become out of control.

The Sash Window repair is the internal framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they may become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash windows repair is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass window repair (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find new weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you could also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If the problem persists, it is most likely the sash balance. It is necessary remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be due to various reasons that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, 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 have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. 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 on place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for sash window repair future adjustment.

Sash Cords

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

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in the previous step. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.