Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance 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. If it's loose or worn out, it could cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll also need to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, window doctor near me which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and Window Doctor Near Me cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed with very little effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be due to various reasons, including a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then remove it from the window doctor. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many instances, a few easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

To make these repairs to sash it is essential 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 assist you in getting the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the operation of your window doctor near me sash, and also reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done via an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be ripped off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be different in size from the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes level within the jamb. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed and it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.