Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that can move up and down vertically in windows that open. This article will demonstrate how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degrade over time because of exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It's on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn or loose. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and width so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with the putty blade.

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

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least a day. When the putty is fully cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. 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 move open and shut without effort, however, this can be a difficult task when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be due to many factors that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window repairs near me begin to slide, this could cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to sagging hinges and a general inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a nozzle shield. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached to the movable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

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

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other side, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the weights that were previously used may be a different size than the one you need. Once the new weight is in place you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazed window repairs-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be snipped out which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely, however it may require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then secure it in the step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.