Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

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

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces 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 stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This could lead to windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely with 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 with very little effort, but this can be difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors such as a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Many times it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly and wooden help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallets.

After the sash is removed and wooden removed, you can take off the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once 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 first because the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb level. Over time, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. You could use a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads from their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each component. The sash should move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your upvc window repair near me, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it in an open position.