Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching these issues early on, before they get out of hand.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give an elegant look to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degrade in time due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original state and Window Repairs maintain their beauty longer than replacement windows.

The first step in sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. It can cause drafts if it's worn out or loose. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corner or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Next, remove the sash and set it on a table so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights and the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After removing the sash with the utility knife, you can remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleared, you can install parting stops. These are long pieces wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of 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 fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes prone to wearing out from time and usage and the result could be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If you are having trouble opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If the issue continues it's likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.

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

If the hinges on a window repairs begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem make sure the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close, because of sagging hinges and general inefficiency. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is essential to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off 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 will soften any hardened glue. Take off the old sash and place it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease energy costs. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and connected to the movable the sash with a rope. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. The sash-weights are typically neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently, you may need to locate replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve and you'll need to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys to secure the new weights to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. Most of them have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife or mallets.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed so that you can see the inner workings of the frame.

Once the sash is stopped and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the weight that was previously installed and replace it. First, weigh the sash because the weights you've got may not be of the right size. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows include a chain or cord attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash and ensure it stays in place when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels in the jambs. They are typically attached by nails or screws and need to be removed. You may be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves with a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to be patient because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it may require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash open Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the cord or chain and attach it in Step 6 above. You can use either a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the counterbalance system that was in place before, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.