Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. 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 the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, take the sash from its holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If the sash is double glazed windows repair-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. Once 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 by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash is cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. When the putty is fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a window or door that can't be opened or closed easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if this fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort but this can be an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by a variety of factors such as the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and Sash Window Repair then take it out of the window. If the sash was screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, sash window repair windows that are old especially in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you start. Start 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 location after you've completed. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning, replacing worn out weights for sash windows repair will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and linked to the moveable sash by rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover, so you will want to find a replacement that fits properly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel of wood that can be cut off so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you are able to remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be of the right size. After the new weight has been installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and will need to be removed or relocated. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning 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 with a chisel or flat bar. They are usually 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, pry the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash Window repair cord/chain to extend from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in the previous step. You can do this with nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. It's not too expensive to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash open. Based on the size of your window, one or two sash weights might be required to keep it open.