Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. To fix it, start by determining your window doctor's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash and Window Doctor mark its size and width so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry 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 holds the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, however, this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This can be due to various reasons that include the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off 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 also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to locate replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be of the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You could employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and Window Doctor tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and simple to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.