Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an interior frame that is vertically moved either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform several simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add a classic look to your home. They are also sturdy and will last for many years if they are properly maintained. However, they may become damaged or degrade as time passes due to exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear. 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. It's found on both the sash and frame. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. Start by identifying the brand of window and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the glass's corners, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width so that you can locate replacement weather stripping to match.

Then, take it off and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, you must remove the weights using their ropes that should be buried inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, then remove it by hand or with a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear, you can replace the 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, but you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and cutting it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty tool and let it dry at least a day. Once it's fully cured and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear due to time and usage, and the result can be a door or window that isn't able to open or close easily. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually very simple and cost-effective. If a sash becomes difficult to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this solves the issue. If the issue persists, it is most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash to access the 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 meeting rail is not properly glazed. This problem can be caused by a number of things, such as the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinges on the window repair near me begin to move, this can cause the sash drag and eventually hit against the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been fixed to 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, may be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and an overall inefficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

To complete these repairs to the sash it is essential to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will help you get the channel back into place correctly when you're finished. Remove the sash and take off 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 equipped with an shield to block the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and place it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders, which are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by rope. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. If they fail, sashweights are often neglected or not used by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover a sash-weight that has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of these pegs are large on one side, and smaller on the other. It is essential to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised area loose with mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and access the pockets for weights. This is usually done through tiny holes in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel of wood that can be cut off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

When the sash has been shut off and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you do this, since the old weights may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is installed you can tie a string around it and then thread it through the pulley for the sash. Then nail the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string hanging from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights which helps keep the sashes in balance in the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and make it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cable will give you the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in place when it is opened.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and need to be removed. It is possible to take them out using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets prior to beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or window Repairs chisel, to pry the tiny partsing beads out of their grooves. It's important to be patient, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash is still in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

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

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They are not expensive and simple to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window two or three sash weights might be required to keep it in an open position.