Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce future repair costs by catching problems early, before they become too much.

The sash is an inside frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or Sash Window Repair degraded in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, begin by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash windows repair off and mark its width and height so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely the Sash window repair balance. It is necessary to take off the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by various reasons, including an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to position the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep your windows functioning by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, sash window repair you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done through a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden access panel which can be removed to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

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, as the old weights could be different in size from what you require. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer or chisel to prise them off however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each component. You should be able to move the sash around freely, although it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, 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. They're not costly and are easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.