Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, you can remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If your sash is double glazed window repairs-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once the putty has fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically relatively easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely the sash balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, double Glazed Window repairs this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't covered with. This can be due to a variety of factors, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings 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 new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the end of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old Double glazed window repairs-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. It may be possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, although it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.