window repair Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages, before they become too much.

The sash is an interior frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for years. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double glazed Window repairs-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

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

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. Once it's fully cured then 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 with use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must be able to open and close with minimal effort however, this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation again and double glazed window repairs save the homeowner money on energy costs.

To make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into 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 cords or chains that secure it. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece 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. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with mallets.

Once the sash is freed and removed, you can take off the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the upvc window repairs near me. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights might be required to keep it open.