Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues in the early stages before they become too much.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to carry out a few simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

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

Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear 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 to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also 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 on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely dried and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty, and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You will need to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by various reasons, including a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured 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 lack in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In most instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and double glazing near me keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window repairs sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to locate a new one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. 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

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an upgrade kit to replace the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. They are not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.