Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's on both the frame and sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts and other problems. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width, so you can find 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 the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. 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 cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces that divide 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 a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least a day. Once the putty has fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if it resolves the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, however, this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a variety of things, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window repairs. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

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) using pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to find replacements.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done 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 inside workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have might not be the right size. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb level. Over time, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or Upvc Window Repair Near Me screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be snipped out, upvc Window repair near me so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out using a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

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

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your upvc window repair near me (www.kmgosi.co.kr), two or three sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.