Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on future repairs.

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

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can bring your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking fantastic for longer than replacement windows.

The first step in repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is Double glazed window repairs near me-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the weather stripping from the corners. Then, remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

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

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. Once the putty has fully dried it is possible to apply an acrylic latex topcoat. This will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes susceptible to wear and tear from time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's important to know that replacing or repair of this hardware is typically simple and inexpensive. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue persists it's likely the sash balance. You'll need remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to be able to open and close without effort, but this is a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to various reasons, including the lack of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on a window begin to sag this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (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 easy repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators and save homeowners cash on energy costs.

To make these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and connected by a rope to the movable window sash. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often disregarded or disabled by homeowners and turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to find replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is important to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is usually done via a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to allow you to observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to remove the old sash weight and replace it with new. First, weigh the sash, as the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double glazed window repairs-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes balanced in the jamb. Over time these cords can break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you the ability to move the sash up and down and hold it in place when opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with flat bar or chisel. It is important to be patient as they're often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs that are on each component. The sash should move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then attach it in Step 6 above. You can use nail, hammer or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase them from a salvage store and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights might be required to keep it open.