Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching the issues in the early stages, before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first thing to address when repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window repair and glass manufacturer date (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, take the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should be buried within the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and Window Repair trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you to place the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and window Repair Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides 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 a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel 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 take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights may be different in size from what you require. After the new weight has been installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazed window repairs-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb level. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it as described in the previous step. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.