Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early, you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that open. This article will show you how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home. When properly maintained, can last for many years. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin by determining the brand of your window 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 to find 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 access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, take out the weights using their ropes that should be buried within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty blade.

Once the sash has been 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 trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute 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 tool and allow it to dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out with time and use. This could result in a upvc door repairs near me or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is generally quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate you can try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this can be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't covered with. This issue can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as insufficient maintenance or a mismatched weight rating for the specific window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash was fixed to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many instances, a few minor repairs can turn these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable window sash using a rope. These weights provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be opened and closed without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they break; therefore, you may need to find replacements.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed by the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose using a mallet.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights may be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a cord or chain is affixed to the weights. This helps keep the sashes of the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. 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.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are typically screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, Window Repairs you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the tiny parting beads from their grooves. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be removed and it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise-and tenon joints using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

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

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window, Window Repairs you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.