Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be checked regularly for mold, mildew and damage. You can avoid future repair costs by catching these issues in the early stages, before they become too much.

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

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home. If properly maintained, they can last for many years. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash and frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can purchase new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

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-hung, you'll also need to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that separate the two sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4 inch window repair near me trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could substitute with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty knife, and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured, apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash an updated appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out with time and use. This could result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll need to take out the sash to gain access to this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail meeting rail is not properly covered with. This issue could be caused by a variety of things, such as insufficient maintenance or an incorrect weight rating for the specific upvc window repair sash.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this could cause the sash to drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is screwed onto the hinge arm, remove 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 open and close, due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. Sometimes, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly again and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is crucial to have the tools you require before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash and remove the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any hardened putty using a heat gun set to medium and window repairs fitted with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and reduce the cost of energy. Sash weights are heavy, lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed in a concealed cavity and linked to the moveable window sash using rope. They are counterbalancers that allows the window to be shut and opened without using mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It's not easy to retrieve a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can remove the weight you used and replace it. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you have may not be the right size. Once the new weight has been installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these chains 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 keep it in place when it is opened.

The first step to replace sash cords is to find and take out the access panels located in the jambs. They are typically nailed or screwed in and will require to be removed or relocated. You might be able to employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel to pull the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed, but they can be removed which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free with a screwdriver or hammer, then remove each wood peg. You should now be able to move the sash back and forth freely, although it will probably need some oiling if it seems stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and attach it in Step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They are not expensive and easy to install if purchased them from architectural salvage stores. Based on the dimensions and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.