Window Sash Repairs

Window Repair near me sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for 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. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch upvc window repair near me trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cured it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This could lead to the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with very little effort, however, this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors such as the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and Window repair near me a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Many times just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and connected by a rope to the movable window repair sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed so that you can view the inside of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have may not be the correct size. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these cords may 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 hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

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

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Based on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.