Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, start by finding your window brand window doctor and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the 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 trimming from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't covered with. This issue can be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a Window Doctor are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old especially in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. 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 by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing repair-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.