Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that moves upwards and downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back 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 as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a work surface to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing repairs near me-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or with the putty blade.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use scrap 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 it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a day. After the putty has completely cure, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's a good idea to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue continues it's most likely the sash balance. You will need remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

Window sashes need to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly coated. This could be caused by many factors such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is squarely inserted into the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can 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 an overall inefficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Take the sash off and then remove all 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 a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable the sash with rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and access the weight pockets. Usually this is accomplished by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be cut off so that you can view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the end of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, Window Repairs a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb level. As time passes, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and require removal. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. It is essential to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use 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 counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window, Window repairs two or three sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.