Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an internal frame that can move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes provide a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they can last for many years. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Start by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

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 the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. But, you can also substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, and then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use and the result could be a window repair near me or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if it resolves the problem. If the issue persists, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with minimal effort but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This can be due to many factors that include the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In most cases, a few simple 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. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to put the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and store it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by a rope. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using mallets.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Weigh the sash first to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb in a balanced manner. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to find and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs on each piece. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

Unless you've bought a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, Window Repairs it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.