Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move upwards and downwards in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the brand of window repair 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 size and width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could lead to a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some oil into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the upvc window repairs sash in order to reach this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must move open and shut without effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators for the first time and save the homeowner cash on energy costs.

To make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable sash by a rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or Window Repairs electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail; therefore, you may need to find replacements.

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

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Weigh the sash first, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. After the new weight is installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. 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 up and down and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. It is possible to remove them using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is important to be patient, as these are often stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on the components. It should now be possible to move the sash around freely, although it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and window repairs fix it as described in the previous step. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and are easy to install if you buy them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.