Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew, and damage. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages, before they become out of control.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty much 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 damaged or is loose. Begin by identifying the window brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on 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.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch upvc window repair near me trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

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 it out using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried, 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 holds window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a door or window Repair that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to reach this hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't coated. This can be due to various reasons that include the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack in energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that help to hold the sash. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to find replacements.

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

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs 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 ones first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel of wood that can be ripped off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and Window Repair replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a chain or cord is attached to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb level. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in position when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws 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 weights for balancing in place. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash open. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.