Window Repair Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can avoid future repair costs by catching the issues early, before they become too much.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degraded in time because of exposure to the elements and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, Window Repair you can use it to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry at least one day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes may wear out with time and use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue continues, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to take off the window sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular upvc window repair sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. 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).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which 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 old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails 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 that will replace the counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.