Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can avoid the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on before they get out of hand.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and keep them looking great longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn or loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its width and height so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double Glazed window repairs near me-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash is clear and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and let it dry at least one day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't properly covered with. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In most instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will help you to position the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and are connected via ropes to the moveable window repairs near me sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and double glazed Window repairs near me opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a replacement that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the parts together. Most of these pegs 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. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to allow you to see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be different in size from the one you need. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and render it impossible 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.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually screwed or nailed into and must be removed. It may be possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

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

If you don't have an upgrade kit to replace the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash unlocked. Depending on the size and shape of your window you may require one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.