Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window Repair sashes for any damage, mildew and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, before they become too much.

The sash is the interior frame that is vertically moved up or down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do a variety of simple sash repair.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant look to your home. They are also sturdy and can last many years if they are properly maintained. They can, however, be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure or normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance longer than replacement windows.

The first step for repair sash window damage is to fix weather stripping. It's found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or Window Repair worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. Start by identifying the window repairs near me brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width so that you can locate the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash from its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their accompanying ropes which should have slipped into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that split the sashes. Pam prefers the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimming from the lumberyard. However, you could also use with a scrap piece of wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. 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 fresh look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from age and use, and the result can be a window repair or door that isn't able to open or close easily. The good news is that fixing 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 it resolves the issue. If the problem persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need 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 can be an issue if the weights become worn or if the sash that joins rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors, including a lack of maintenance and an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on a window begin to sag this could cause the sash to drag and eventually hit against the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this issue, first make sure the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Next, install the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close, due to hinges that are sagging and a general lack of energy efficiency. In most instances, a few minor repairs can transform these windows into smooth operation and save homeowners money on energy bills.

To complete these sash repairs it is essential to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Soften any hardened putty using an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to ensure that the windows are functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash-weights are typically ignored or discarded by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you might need to search for replacements.

It's not easy to retrieve the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that is suitable for the. You will also require an additional piece of string, a length of sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Older wood windows are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed with the use of a pin punch and hammer. 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. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated with a knife and a mallet.

After the sash is released, you can remove the stops on the sash and get access to the pockets for weights. Usually, this is done through a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can remove the old weight and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, as the old weights may be a different size than what is needed. After the new weight is installed then tie a string to it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

The majority of double-hung windows with a history have a cord or chain connected to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords can become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash up and down and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. It may be possible to take them out using a hammer or chisel, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves with the chisel or flat bar. It is essential to take your time as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a screwdriver or hammer and then take out each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash around without difficulty, though it might require oiling if it seems stiff.

With the sash in an open position, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system it is recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not costly and easy to install if you purchase them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, two or three sash weights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.