Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early on before they become too much.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. 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. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its width and height so you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or with the putty blade.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least one day. When it's completely dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and UPVC Window Repair Near Me use. This could lead to the upvc window repair near me or door that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing or fixing this hardware is usually easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If not, the problem is likely with the balance of the sash and you'll need to remove the sash to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with very little effort, however, this can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific sash.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and then hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In many cases, a few simple fixes can make these windows operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is important to have the tools you require before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you to position the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Take the sash off and then remove all hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with a shield for the nozzle. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window repair sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join windows made of older wood. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose using mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights could be different sizes than what is needed. Once the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then attach the string to the frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

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

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It's important to take your time as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs that are on each piece. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain, and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position.