Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes 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 interior framing that can be moved vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and normal wear and tear. Sash upvc repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners 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, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide 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 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 it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close with little effort. However, this can be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect 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 resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window replacement. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and Window Doctor you'll need to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can 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

Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be removed and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move freely now, but it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

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

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window doctor [Read the Full Post], you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.