Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems early before they become too much.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded in time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts 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 windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its width and height, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely cured, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash open to see if it resolves the problem. If the problem persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary to take off the window replacement sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close without effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinges 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 problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To make these upvc repairs near me to the sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will make it easier to put the channel in the right location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, glazing including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. 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 store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which 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 of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside 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. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb level. Over time, these chains may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. You might be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then fix it using the 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 have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.