Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for many years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

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

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if that fixes the problem. If the issue persists it's most likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue could be caused by many factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window doctor sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the Window Doctor to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you have may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move 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 installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads from 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, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights in place unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.