Window Sash Repairs

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

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window repairs sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the 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 glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing repairs [from this source]-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely dried and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy costs.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold 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 shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallet.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will 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 remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and require removal. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It is essential to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each component. The sash should be able move freely now, but it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window, Double glazing repairs one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.