Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for years. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to 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 damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by determining the brand of your window and UPVC Window Repairs Near Me glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width, so you can find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double glazing repairs-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or using a putty blade.

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

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. It's good to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If the problem persists it's most likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, but this can be difficult when the weights are worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors such as a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (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 has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are encased inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the movable upvc window repairs near me (Telegra link for more info) sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to search for replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

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 an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight has been installed, thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history come with a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window repair. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It is important to take your time, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They are not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.