Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it can cause drafts and other problems. Begin by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been double glazed Window repairs-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports upvc window repairs near me sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window repair that isn't able to open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close without much effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't covered with. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Many times just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you get the channel back on place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover 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 of sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised part loose using mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to allow you to 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. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you have might not be of the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain attached to the weights which helps keep 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 restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it as in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size of your window, Double Glazed Window Repairs two or three sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.