Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching the issues in the early stages before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time because of exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double glazed window repairs near me-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using the putty blade.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces 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 could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open 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 to gain access to this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut without effort, however, this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a upvc window repair are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix 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 screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older houses, double Glazed window repairs can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In most instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old Double glazed Window repairs-hung window, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each piece. The sash should move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it open.