Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will 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 a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Begin by identifying the window's 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, take it off and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double glazed window repairs near me-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should be buried in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash Window repair, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length and thickness, 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 a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel then open it to see if this fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and sash window repair eventually strike the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed with pin punches and hammers. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It's important to take your time as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep it open.