Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the internal frame that is vertically moved upwards or downwards in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes give a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they can last for a long time. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure or normal wear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

The first step to repair sash windows is to address weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash and frame. If it's worn or loose, out, it could cause drafts and other problems. To fix it, start by finding your window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (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 you can get replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface so that you can reach all four sides. If your sash has been Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket in the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, you can install the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to use standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. But, you can substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

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

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window repair sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that repairing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel then slide it open to see if it fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll have to take off the sash to gain access to the hardware.

Ideally, window sashes must swing open and closed with minimal effort but this is difficult if the weights become worn or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This problem can be due to various reasons, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually strike the frame in the corner directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue ensure that the sash is in the proper position within the frame's opening and take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Then, you can install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to sagging hinges and a general lack of energy efficiency. In most cases, a few simple repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation for the first time and save the homeowner money on energy costs.

To complete these sash repairs it is important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will assist you in getting the channel back on position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains that secure it. A hot gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash, and also reduce the energy cost. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and connected by ropes to the moveable window sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll want to find one that fits correctly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join windows made of older wood. Hammers and pins can be used to take out the wood pegs that hold the components together. The majority of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller diameter on the other, so it is essential to remove the small-diameter sides first. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the old sash weight and replace it with new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different in size from the one you need. After the new weight is installed, run the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then nail the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This keeps the sashes within the jamb in a balanced manner. Over time, these cords may become damaged and make it difficult to raise the windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in position when it is opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and take out the access panels located in the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and will need to be removed or repositioned. It is possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can start working on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using flat bar or chisel. It is essential to take your time because they are usually stuck or nailed to the floor. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, although it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then fix it using the step 6 above. You can either use a hammer and screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's cheap to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window one or two sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.