Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an internal frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and services frame. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second 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 is susceptible to wear and tear 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 typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can 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 address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window repair. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to sash it is essential to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the right location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and put it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and Window repair near me down and hold it in place when it is 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 need to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It is important to take your time as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and seren.kr pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should be able move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain 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 attach it as described in the previous step. You can do this with 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. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it open.