Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

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

Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

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

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

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or a window repairs near me that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then open it to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using the help of a heat gun set at medium and luennemann.org equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window repairs near me sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain connected to the weights that helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It is possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on the components. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels 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 then secure it in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.