Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and other damage. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give the classic look to your home. When properly maintained, installers can last for a long time. They can, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other problems. Start by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take it off and set it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them 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 to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry at least one day. When it's completely 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 supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from the wear and tear of use and the result could be a window repair or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.

window repairs near me sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue could be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (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 onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older houses, could be difficult to open and close. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Take off the old sash and keep it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a damaged cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and installers cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable the sash with rope. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some 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 components together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold 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 installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or relocated. You could use a hammer or chisel for removing them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash cord/chain required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord, and then secure it in the previous step. You can 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 old counterbalance system, it's best 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've got the sash open. Based on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep it open.