Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. If you catch these issues early you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden upvc window repairs near me sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for double glazed window repairs near me a long time when they are maintained properly. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin 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 to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. 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 could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. After the putty has completely dried and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use and the result could be a window or door that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with minimal effort but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors that include an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallets.

After the sash is removed and removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. It is essential to be patient because they are usually wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it might require oil if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not costly and easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.