Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they may become damaged or degrade over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. If it's damaged or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and glass manufacturer date (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and their ropes which should have slipped into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length after which, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. Once the putty has fully dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel and then open it to see if that resolves the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely the sash balance. You'll need to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash connecting rail isn't glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash has been fixed to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows particularly those in older houses, could be difficult to open or close. Sometimes it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

To complete these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with a pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into the correct position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair needs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy lead or Sash Window Repair iron cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance that allows the window to be closed and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

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

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other side, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line with a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

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

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the weight that was previously installed and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you have might not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazed windows repair-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time, these cords can become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and ensure it stays in place when it is 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 need to be removed or moved. It may be possible to remove them with a hammer or chisel, but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and fix it using Step 6 above. You can use either nail, hammer or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and are easy to install if purchased them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.