Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be regularly checked for mold, mildew and other damage. If you catch these issues early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an internal frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. However, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash Window Repair repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. To fix it, begin by determining your window's brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. After the putty has completely dried it is possible to 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 prone to wearing out from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some oil into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close with minimal effort however, this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To address this issue, first make sure the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and a general inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools needed before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off 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 just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually neglected or ignored by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. Most of these pegs have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel is removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Weigh the sash first because the weights you've got may not be the right size. After the new weight is in place, tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for window repair the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazing repairs-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes of the jamb level. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing sash cords is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, Window Repair but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs on each piece. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.