Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues in the early stages before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and 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 new weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if that resolves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by various reasons such as the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (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 and close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash and take off the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. 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 simply to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances and window repairs allow you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to find replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing repairs near me-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and will keep it in its position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and require removal. You could use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It's important to take your time as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each component. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in Step 6 above. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the size of your window one or two sashweights could be needed to keep it open.