Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden upvc window repair near me sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other issues. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using the putty blade.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to remove the window sash to reach 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-to rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as lack of maintenance or by the wrong weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, window repair due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the proper location after you've completed. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Take off the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers, allowing the Window repair to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or window repair discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or a mallet.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time, these chains can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. 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 sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It's important to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it may require oiling if it seems stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and secure it in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and simple to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights may be needed to keep it in an open position.