Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will show you how to make several simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded over time due to exposure to the elements and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step to 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, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the window's brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on a flat surface to allow you to see all four sides. If your sash has a double glazing repair Lewisham-hung, you'll need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then take it off by hand or with a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however you could also use scrap wood.

After removing the stopper and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of Double glazing huntingdon compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and allow it to dry for at least one day. After the putty has completely cured and dried, you can apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash becomes difficult to operate, try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then open it to see if that solves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely the sash balance. It is necessary to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should 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 coated. This problem could be caused by many factors that include an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinges on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open or close. In most cases, a few simple repairs can turn these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

To make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are composed of heavy lead or iron cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve 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 that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed using the use of a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife and mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and gain access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you do this, as the old weights could be different sizes than what you require. After the new weight is installed, run an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazing repair sittingbourne-hung window the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This supports and keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You could use a hammer or chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, Double glazing repair sittingbourne you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull 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 around freely, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain, and then attach it as described in the step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not expensive and are easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it open.