Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be regularly checked for mold, mildew, and damage. 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 up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to make several simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant look to your home. They are also durable and can last many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step to 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 it's worn or loose. Begin by identifying the window 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 width and height, so you can find replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double glazed window repairs-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the old weather stripping at the corners, then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also use a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife and let it dry for a minimum of a day. When the putty is fully cure, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from age and use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. It's good to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening a sash spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash 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 to get access to this part of the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to move open and shut with very little effort, but this can be a difficult task if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This could be caused by various reasons that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue, make sure that the sash is centered in the frame opening, and then take it off. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, window repairs take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general lack of energy efficiency, old windows particularly those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can make these windows operate smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware, including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or simply to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights provide counterbalance that allows the window to be opened and window Repairs closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

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

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised area loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is typically done by drilling a small hole at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be cut off so that you can observe the inner workings of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the old weights could be different sizes than the one you need. Once the new weight is installed, you can thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most old double glazed window repairs-hung windows come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes in balance in the jamb. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. You might be able to use a hammer or chisel for removing them but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to commencing any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. It's important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. The sash should move freely, however it may need some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

Determine the length of the sash chain or sash cord needed to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley on the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and fix it as described in Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Based on the size and shape of your window you may need to use one or two sashweights to keep it open.