Window Sash Repairs

repairing window sashes need to be regularly checked for mold, mildew and damage. By catching these problems early, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that can move upwards and downwards in windows repair that are open. This article will show you how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add the classic look to your home and, when properly maintained, can last for years. However, they can get damaged or deteriorated over time due to exposure and normal wear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

The first step for sash window repairs to double glazing is addressing weather stripping, which can be found on both the sash as well as the frame. If it's loose or worn out, it can lead to 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). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width to find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and set it on a table to allow access to all four sides. If your sash was double-hung, you must remove the weights with their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket inside the jamb lining. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to remove the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners. Then, remove it manually or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by 3/4-inch window repair trim from the lumberyard, however you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and trimming them to your desired length then apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and let it dry for at least a day. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is susceptible to wear and tear from 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 very simple and cost-effective. If you're having trouble opening a sash spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash out to see if it resolves the issue. If not, the issue is likely with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash in order to access the hardware.

Window sashes should open and close without much effort. However, this may be difficult if the weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't coated. This problem can be due to various reasons, including an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window begin to sag, this can cause the sash's to drag and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash next (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall inefficiency. In many cases just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on energy bills.

It is important to have the tools needed before you begin. Begin by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using a pencil (Photo 1). This will help you to put the channel in the correct location after you've completed. Then, remove the sash, and then remove the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the cords or chains which hold it in place. Soften any putty that has been hardened with a heat gun set to medium and fitted with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag that is labeled.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or simply to keep the windows functional and functional, replacing worn-out weights for sash will improve its operation and cut down on energy costs. Sash weights are made of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a concealed cavity and attached by a rope to the movable window sash. They provide counterbalance which allows the window to be closed and opened without the use of electrical or mechanical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

It's difficult to retrieve an sash-weight which has fallen from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits properly. You will also require a fresh piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs holding the parts together can be removed using a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs have large diameters on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is essential to remove the smaller-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallet.

Once the sash is freed then you can take out the sash stop and gain access to the weight pocket. This is usually done through an opening in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you'll be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. First, weigh the sash because the weights you have may not be the right size. After the new weight is installed, tie a string to it and then thread it through the sash pulley. Then, you can attach the string to your boxed frame. Leave a few inches of space at the top of the string to allow future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double-hung windows the chain or cord is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb level. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will give you 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 nailed or screwed in and must be removed or relocated. It may be possible to remove them with an axe or hammer, however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you are able to begin to work on the sash. Make the small parting beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using the chisel or flat bar. It's important to be patient, as these are often wedged or nailed in place. If the sash remains in place, remove the mortise and tenon joints using a hammer and pin punch or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each component. The sash should move freely now, but it may need some lubrication to feel less stiff.

Take a measurement of the length of sash chain/sash cord needed to reach the sash slot at the bottom of the pulley located at the top of the jamb. Cut the chain or cord and secure it as in the previous step. You can either employ a hammer and nail or screws, but nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance. They're not costly 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 could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.