Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce future repair costs by catching the issues early on before they get out of hand.

The sash is an interior framing that moves vertically upwards or downwards in windows that open. This article will teach you how to do a variety of 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 last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and normal wear. However, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the first aspect to consider when you are repairing windows that have sash. It's located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if worn out or loose. To fix it, begin 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). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, remove the old weather stripping by hand or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared, 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 Repair Staines trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also use scrap 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 the compound with your putty knife, then let it dry for a minimum of a day. After the putty has completely dried and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the window sashes may wear out over time and use. This can result in windows or doors that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If a sash is difficult to operate try spraying lubrication into the jamb channel then open it to see if this solves the issue. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance and you'll need to remove the sash to access this hardware.

Window sashes should open and close with little effort. However, this could be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to rail meeting rail is not properly glazed. This issue can be caused by a number of factors, including the lack of maintenance or the wrong weight rating for a particular window sash.

If the hinge arms on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash has been screwed to the hinge arm, you'll need to remove the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Due to sagging hinges, and a general lack of energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. Many times, a few simple fixes can help these windows function smoothly again and help homeowners save money on energy costs.

In order to make these repairs to the sash, it's important to have all the tools needed before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will make it easier to place the channel in the correct position after you've finished. Take the sash off and take out all the hardware, including the beads for parting cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with the help of a heat gun set at medium and fitted with an nozzle shield. Remove the old sash, and store it in an bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be replaced to enhance the efficiency of your window sash and decrease the energy cost. Sash weights consist of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the movable window sash. They are counterbalancers which allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be neglected or not used by homeowners.

It's difficult 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 a fresh piece of string, a length sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the new weights to the cord.

Older wood windows are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the components together. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century made use of glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line using a knife, then tapping the mortised section loose with a mallet.

After the sash has been removed then you can take out the stopper on the sash and get access to the weight pocket. This is typically done by drilling an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood which can be removed to let you observe the inner workings of the frame.

After 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 the new. Be sure to weigh the sash prior to you do this, since the old weights could be different sizes than the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, thread a string through the sash pulling mechanism. Then, nail the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of double glazing repairs New Addington-hung windows the chain or cord is affixed to the weights. This keeps the sashes in the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords could break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord can restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually fixed or screwed in and must be removed or repositioned. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Utilize a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads from their grooves. 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 a hammer or screwdriver and then remove each wood peg. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may need some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Measure the length of the sash chain or sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom from the pulley at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and secure it in Step 6 above. You can employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you haven't purchased a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights 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 opened. Depending on the dimensions and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights to keep the sash open.