Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes need to be inspected regularly for signs of mold, mildew and other damage. By catching these problems early you will save money on future repairs.

The sash is the internal framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time, due to exposure and normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing sash windows. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's damaged or is loose. To fix it, start by finding your window repair brand and the date on which the glass was manufactured (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Take the sash off and mark its width and height so that you can get 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 reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. When it's completely dried 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 holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash becomes difficult to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if it solves the issue. If the problem persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary remove the window sash to get access to this part of the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close without effort, but this is an issue when the weights are worn or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by many factors such as the lack of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to lose their elasticity, this could cause the sash to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To address this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then remove it from the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm 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, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open or close. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and save homeowners money on their energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to place the channel in the right position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. Soften any hardened putty with a heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on the energy cost. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders enclosed in a hidden cavity and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and shut the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are usually left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover 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 with mortise and tenon joints. Hammers and pins can be used to remove the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of them have a large diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, which is why it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can take off the sash stops and lock gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done via tiny holes at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to remove the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights could be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows of the past include a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced within the jamb. Over time, these chains can become damaged and make it difficult to raise windows. A new sash cable will restore the ability to move and lower the sash, and keep it in position when opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or moved. You may be able to use a hammer or chisel to remove them however, it is always best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed but can be prised free which is why it's worth your time. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, and then take out the wood pegs attached to each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash cord/chain needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and then secure it as in the previous step. You can employ a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from a salvage store and they will be easy to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.