Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be checked regularly for mold, mildew, and damage. You can save future repair costs by catching problems early before they become out of control.

The sash is the interior framing that moves vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will show you how to do easy repairs to your sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and can last many years when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate over time due to exposure to elements and wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair double glazing window experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for longer than replacement windows.

The first step to sash window repairs is addressing weather stripping, which is found on both the sash as well as the frame. It could cause drafts if damaged or is loose. Start by identifying the window's brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Take the sash off, and mark its size and Sash Window Repair width so that you can find a new weather stripping that is compatible with the original.

Next, remove the sash and place it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If your sash has a double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes, which should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. After you have removed the sash using the utility knife, take off the weather stripping that was left by hand or using a putty knife.

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 likes to replace them with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, but you can also use a piece of scrap wood.

After removing the parting stops and cutting them to the desired length and thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the Sash Window Repair. Smooth the compound using your putty knife, and allow it to dry for at least one day. Once the putty has fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This will protect the putty and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the window sashes may wear out over time and with use. This can result in a door or a window that is difficult to open or close. The good thing is that fixing and replacing this hardware is generally very simple and cost-effective. If you're having difficulty opening the sash, spray some lubricant into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if that fixes the problem. If not, the issue is likely to be with the sash balance, and you'll need to take out the sash to access the hardware.

The ideal situation is for window sashes to swing open and closed without effort, but this can be an issue when the weights wear out or if the sash's meeting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue can be due to many factors, including a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinges on the window begin to move, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then take it off. If the sash is attached to the hinge arm, take it off the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Windows that are old, especially in older homes, can be difficult to open and close due to sagging hinges and an overall lack of energy efficiency. In many cases, a few simple fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

To complete these repairs to sash it is essential to have all of the tools needed before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) using pencil. This will allow you to put the channel in the correct place when you are finished. Remove the sash and then remove all hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash, and keep it in a labeled bag.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or to keep the windows functional, replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are hefty lead or iron cylinders that are enclosed inside a hidden compartment and connected to the movable sash by rope. These weights provide counterbalance which allows the window to be shut and opened without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are often ignored or disabled by homeowners.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also require a new piece of string, a length of sashcord and a few sashpulleys for tying the weights you are replacing to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined with mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs that keep the components together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes utilized glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. Usually it is done by drilling an opening in the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered by an access panel made of wood that can be ripped off to let you see the inner workings of the frame.

Once you have the sash stopped and the access panel removed, you will 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, as the weights that were previously used may be a different size than what you require. After the new weight has been installed, you can thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can nail the string to the boxed frame, leaving a few inches of string protruding from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung upvc windows repairs have a cord or chain attached to the weights that supports and keeps the sashes level in the jamb. Over time these cords can 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.

To replace sash cords, the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually attached by nails or screws and must be removed. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel for removing them, but it's always better to lay down dust sheets before commencing any work.

After you have removed the access panel, you can begin to work on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the narrow partsing beads out of their grooves. These are often wedged in or nailed but can be snipped out and it's worth your time here. If the sash remains in place, pull the mortise-and tenon joints with a screwdriver or hammer and then remove each wood peg. You should be able to move the sash back and forth freely, though it might require lubrication if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position With the sash in an open position, measure the sash chain or cord to reach from the pulley on the top of the jamb to the sash slot on the bottom. Cut the chain or cord and fix it using Step 6 above. You can use a hammer, nails or screws. However, nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

It is best to keep the original weights if you have purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not costly and easy to install if you buy them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size and shape of your window, you might need to install one or two sashweights in order to keep the sash open.