Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. If you catch these issues early you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, can last for years. They can, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and 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.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing sash windows. It's located on both the frame and sash. If it's worn or loose, out, [Redirect Only] it can lead to drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the corner of the glass or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from the holder and place it on an even surface that allows you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can replace the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window repairs near me trim from the lumberyard. However, you could also substitute a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's good to know that replacing or repairing this hardware is often easy and affordable. If you're having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes need to open and close without much effort. However, this can be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly glazed. This can be due to various reasons, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is 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).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will help you get the channel back in place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that keep the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows 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 fail. Consequently, you may need to find replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the 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 these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other side, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done through an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight from the sash and replace it with the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be a different size than what you require. After the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord connected to the weights that keeps the sashes balanced within the jamb. 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 up and down and hold it in place when 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 must be removed. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should move freely, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and fix it as described in the previous step. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance. They're not costly and simple to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.