Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood Window repair sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for many years. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows with sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried in the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, and then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that divide the 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 scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over 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 modern 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. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel and then open it to see if this resolves the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to sash it is important to have all of the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or window repair just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights act as counterbalances and allow you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the weight pockets. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll 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, as the old weights could be different in size from what you require. Once the new weight is installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing repairs near me-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in position when opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the small 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 in place, break the mortise and tenon joints using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each component. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely 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 weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you may require one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.