Window Sash Repairs

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

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move up and down vertically in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to carry out a few simple repairs to the sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes can give an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time provided they are properly maintained. However, they can be damaged or degraded as time passes due to exposure to elements and wear and tear. Fortunately, sash repair specialists can restore your windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important thing to address when repairing upvc windows windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. Begin by identifying the brand of window and the manufacturer's date (etched on the glass repair's corner 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 its holder, and place it on a flat surface to allow you to reach all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the ropes and weights that should be buried within the jamb lining. After removing the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping from the old sash by hand or with a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared and clean, you can put in 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 trim from the lumberyard, but you can also replace them with a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the stopper for the parting and trimming it to length and then apply a thin layer of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, 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 help protect the putty and give your sash an updated look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and use. This can result in a door repair near me or a window that is difficult to open or close. It's a good idea to know that replacing and fixing this hardware is usually simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash up and open to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll have to take off the sash to access this hardware.

Ideally, window sashes should be able to open and close with minimal effort however, this can be a difficult task when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This issue could be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of maintenance or by a mismatched weight rating for the particular window sash.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually hit the frame in the corner opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To remedy the issue ensure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening, and then remove it. If the sash has been attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (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. In many instances, a few easy repairs can transform these windows into smooth operators again and save the homeowner money on energy bills.

It is crucial to have the tools you need before you start. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame using pencil (Photo 1). This will allow you to get the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take off the hardware including the beads that separate (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and place it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window 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 cut down on energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a hidden cavity and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. They function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights tend to be left unnoticed or disabled by homeowners.

It is difficult to recover the sash-weight that fell from the cavity, so you'll need to find one that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights onto the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join older wood windows. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs that hold the parts together. The majority of them are large on one side and smaller on the other. It is crucial to first remove the smaller diameter sides. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut by using a knife or mallets.

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 a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is then covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to allow you to view the inside of the frame.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight of the old sash and replace it with the new. Make sure you weigh the sash prior to you begin, as the weights that were previously used may be different sizes than what you require. Once the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the frame, but only leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In the majority of old double glazing repairs-hung windows, a cord or chain is connected to the weights. This helps keep the sashes within the jamb balanced. As time passes, these cords may break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable can restore the ability to move and lower the sash and keep it in position when it is opened.

The first step to replace cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually screwed or nailed in and require removal. You could use a hammer or chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before starting any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel, to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed in, but they can be prised free and it's worth your time. If the sash remains in place, break the mortise and tenon joints free using a hammer or screwdriver and then take out each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it might require oil if it feels stiff.

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

It is best to keep the original weights if you've purchased a kit that will replace the old counterbalance. It's not expensive to buy these from salvage shops for architectural purposes and they'll be easy to install once you've got the sash opened. Depending on the size of your window one or two sash weights could be needed to keep it in an open position.