Window Sash Repairs

Make sure to check the sashes of your windows regularly for any damage, mildew and mold. By catching these problems early you will save money on repairs in the future.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to make several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give a classic look to your home. They are also durable and will last for many years provided they are properly maintained. They may, however, get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure or normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for longer than replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's damaged or worn out, it can cause drafts, as well as other issues. To fix it, start by determining your window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched in the corner of the glass or on the aluminum spacer between panes). Remove the sash, and mark its width and height so that you can find a replacement weather stripping that matches.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash has been double-hung, take out the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket in the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to cut away the weather stripping from the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash is cleared, you can install the stoppers that separate the two sashes. These are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use scrap wood.

After removing the stoppers for parting and cutting them to the desired length, apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound with your putty tool, and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window repair sashes susceptible to wear and tear due to age and use and the result could be a door or window that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually relatively easy and affordable. If a sash isn't easy to operate, try spraying some oil into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if that solves the issue. If the problem persists it's most likely that the sash balance is off. It is necessary to take off the window sash to reach this hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash meeting rail is not properly coated. This issue can be due to many factors that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are starting to slide, this could cause the sash's to drag and eventually hit the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is squarely inserted into the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older houses, can be difficult to close and open because of sagging hinges and general lack of energy efficiency. Many times, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly once more and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

In order to make these repairs to 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 a pencil. This will allow you to position the channel in the proper place when you are finished. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that hold it in place. The nozzle shield of the heat gun and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and store it in an bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your upvc window repair near me sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out sash weights will improve sash operation and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained in a hidden cavity and are connected via a rope to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances, allowing you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually disregarded or disabled by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they fail. Consequently you may have to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to get back and you'll need to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length sash cord and some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs holding the components together can be removed using 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 used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and a mallet.

Once the sash is freed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

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 new. First, weigh the sash to ensure that the weights you've got may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is in place then tie a string to it and thread it through the pulley of the sash. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows, a chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb balanced. Over time, these cords can get damaged and render it impossible to raise the windows. A new sash cable can restore the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and will require to be removed or repositioned. You could employ a hammer and chisel to prise them off but it's best to lay down dust sheets prior to starting any work.

After removing the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pull the narrow parting beads from their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash is in place, break the mortise and the tenon joints by using pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs attached to the components. The sash should move around freely now, however it may require some lubrication to make it feel less stiff.

Determine the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot on the bottom from the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord/chain and attach it as described in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's best to keep the original balancing weights in place. It's not expensive to buy them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash open. Depending on the size and shape of your window you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep it open.