Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching problems early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window repairs sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window brand and the glass manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so that you can reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket that was intended to be in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty knife.

When the sash is clean and clean, you can put in the parting stops. These are long pieces of wood that divide the two sashes. Pam likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once it's fully cured then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes can wear out over time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repair of this hardware is typically easy and affordable. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if that fixes the issue. If the issue continues, it is most likely to be due to the sash's balance. It is necessary remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this could be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of reasons, such as lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the specific window repairs sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is centered in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to unscrew the hinge arm and Window Repairs replace it (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Because of sagging hinges and a general lack in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. In many cases just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to place the channel in the proper position after you've finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened glue. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using a rope. They function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without requiring mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you may have to locate replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line using an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose using a mallet.

Once the sash has been removed, you can take off the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of every jamb. The hole is then covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once 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. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is installed, run a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes in balance within the jamb. Over time, these cords can get damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords, window repairs the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed into and need to be removed. It may be possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed in, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time here. If the sash is still in place, pull the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should move around freely now, however it might require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in Step 6 above. You can use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and are easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep it open.