Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for signs of damage, mildew and mold. You can reduce the cost of repairs in the future by catching problems in the early stages, before they become too much.

The sash is an inside frame that moves vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will teach you how to do simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window Repair sashes can add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also sturdy and last for a long time when they are maintained properly. However, they can be damaged or degraded over time due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Sash repair specialists can restore windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary issue to take care of when fixing windows with sash. It's located on both the frame and sash. It could cause drafts if worn out or loose. Begin 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). Then, take the sash off and mark its height and width to find the appropriate weather stripping replacement to match.

Then, remove the sash and window repair set it on a work surface so you can access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, remove the weights with their ropes that should fall into the pocket inside the jamb lining. Once you've taken the sash off, use a utility knife to cut off the weather stripping from the corners, then take it off by hand or using a putty knife.

When the sash is clean, you can replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam prefers to replace them with standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard, however 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 knife, and let it dry for at least one day. When the putty is fully cure it is possible to apply a topcoat of acrylic latex. This coating will protect the putty and give your sash a new look.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that holds the windows sashes can become worn out over time and window repair use. This could lead to the window or upvc door repairs near me that is difficult to open or close. It's important to know that replacing and repairing this hardware is often simple and inexpensive. If you are having trouble opening a sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then slide the sash up and open to see if it resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's most likely that the sash balance is off. You'll need to remove the window sash in order to access the hardware.

Ideally, window repair sashes must be able to open and close with very little effort, but this is difficult when the weights wear out or if the sash meeting rail isn't properly coated. This could be caused by a variety of factors that include an absence of maintenance or a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this could cause the sash to drag and then hit the frame at the opposite corner (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash fits squarely in the frame's opening and then take it out of the window. If the sash was attached to the hinge arm, remove the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, especially those in older houses, can be difficult to open and close due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Many times just a few easy fixes can make these windows operate smoothly again and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all the necessary tools in place before you begin. Mark the hinge channel's location on the frame (Photo 1) with pencil. This will help you to put the channel in the right place when you are finished. Then, remove the sash and remove the hardware, including the parting beads (Photo 2) and the chains or cords that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

If your window sash repairs are to replace a broken cord or just to ensure that the windows are functional by replacing worn out weights for sash will improve its operation and help reduce energy costs. Sash weights consist of iron or lead cylindricals that are contained inside a concealed cavity, and are connected via ropes to the movable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to locate replacements.

A sash weight that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to retrieve It is therefore important to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also need an additional piece of string, a length sash cord, and a few sash pulleys to connect the new sash weights to the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints can be used to join old wood windows. The wood pegs that keep the parts together can be removed by pin punches and hammers. Most of them have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller one on the other, which is why it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Later sashes used glue instead of pins. They can be cut with a knife and mallets.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove the sash stops and access the weight pockets. This is usually done via a small hole in the bottom of each jamb. The hole is surrounded by an unfinished wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the inside workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel removed, you will be able to take off the weight from the sash and replace it with new. Be sure to weigh the sash first, as the weights you have may not be the correct size. Once the new weight is installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then, you can attach the string to the boxed frame. Leave a few inches protruding at the head of the string for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double-hung windows of the past come with a chain or cord attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes balanced within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may break, making it difficult to raise the window. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and keep it in place when opened.

The first step in replacing cords for sash is to locate and remove the access panels within the jambs. These are usually nailed or screwed in and will need to be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them using the hammer or chisel however, it is best to lay out dust sheets before starting any work.

After the access panel has been removed, you can begin working on the sash. Utilize a flat bar, or chisel, to pry the narrow parting beads out of their grooves. They are usually wedged in or nailed, but they can be snipped out, so it's worth taking your time. If the sash remains in place, pry the mortise-and-tenon joints out with a hammer or screwdriver, then remove each wood peg. It should now be possible to move the sash around without difficulty, though it will probably need some lubrication 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 located at the top of the jamb. Cut the cord or chain and then attach it as described in the previous step. You can employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

If you don't have a kit that replaces the old counterbalance system it's best to keep the original weights for balancing in place. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they will be easy to install once you have the sash opened. Based on the size of your window two or three sash weights may be needed to keep the sash in an open position.