Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and damage. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching these issues early before they become out of control.

The sash is an interior frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs - great site - is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window repair near me's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners, 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, take it off and place it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners, then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that separate the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you can also use for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and window repairs let it dry at least a day. After the putty has completely cure and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes can wear out over time and with use. This could result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash in order to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should swing open and closed without effort, but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as the lack of maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the particular sash.

If the hinge arms of a upvc window repair are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, window repairs you'll need to remove the hinge arm 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 hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools needed before you start. Begin 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 right position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that hold the sash in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable sash by rope. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, so it is crucial to take out the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

After the sash is released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight you used and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights could be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In most old double-hung window the chain or cord is attached to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes in the jamb level. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it will probably need some lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can use either a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window, two or three sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.