Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. If you catch these issues early you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them 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 and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty tool and let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cure and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel and then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't covered with. This problem can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge 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 in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. 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 hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. These weights act as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, upvc Window repair sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to get back, so you will want to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights may be different in size from the one you need. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazed window repairs-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the Upvc Window Repair. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on the components. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not costly and are easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.