Window Sash Repairs

Sashes for windows must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. By catching problems before they become serious you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that moves up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will show you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can add an elegant appearance 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 and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

The first step in 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. Begin by identifying the window's brand and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass window repair's corners or on the aluminum spacers between panes). Remove the sash and mark its size and width so that you can get new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Then, you can remove the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you must remove the ropes and weights that should fall into the pocket within the jamb lining. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty knife.

Once the sash has been cleaned, you can replace parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of 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 holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This can result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repairing window this hardware is often straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash isn't easy to operate try spraying oil into the jamb channel then open it to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the problem is most likely due to the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to access this hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this could be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't coated. This issue can be caused by a number of things, such as lack of maintenance or by an incorrect weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner in the opposite direction of the hinge arm (Photo 1). To fix the problem ensure that the sash is centered in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older homes, may be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and general inefficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can help these windows function smoothly and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you need before you begin. Mark the hinge channel location on the frame (Photo 1) with a pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the beads for parting, cords, and chains that help to hold the sash. Soften any putty that has been hardened with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with a shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a labelled bag.

Sash Weights

No matter if your window sash repair double glazed window needs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep your windows functioning and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance, allowing the window to be shut and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually neglected or not used by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve, so you will want to locate a new one that is suitable for the. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys to tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined using mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed with a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is important to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Sashes made later in the century used glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed, you can remove the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by a wooden access panel that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel has been removed, you can take off the old weight and replace it. Make sure you weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights could be different sizes than what is needed. After the new weight is installed, you can thread the string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the head of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double glaze repair-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and will keep it in its place when it is 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 will require to be removed or repositioned. It may be possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to take your time because they are usually placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, remove the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each component. You should be able to move the sash around freely, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash open With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can either use a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It's best to leave the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit to replace the old counterbalance. It's cheap to purchase these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be simple to install once you have the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights may be needed to keep it in an open position.