Window Sash Repairs

Window sashes must be inspected regularly for signs of 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 can move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will demonstrate how to perform several simple repairs to sash.

Weather Stripping

Wooden window sashes are a great way to add an elegant appearance to your home. They are also durable and last for a long time if they are properly maintained. They may, however, be damaged or degraded over time, due to exposure and normal wear and tear. Thankfully, sash Repair My Windows And Doors experts can bring your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for much longer than newer replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the most important issue to take care of when fixing windows that have sash. It is located on both the frame and the sash. It can cause drafts if it's worn or loose. To fix it, begin 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). Take the sash off and mark its size and width so that you can purchase replacement weather stripping that matches.

Then, take the sash from the holder and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to access all four sides. If the sash is double-hung, you'll have to take off the weights and their accompanying ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've taken the sash off and the weights, use a utility knife to remove the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it by hand or using a putty knife.

After the sash has been cleared, you can replace parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam likes to replace these 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 and Repair My Windows And Doors thickness, apply a thin layer of glazing compound over the bottom of the sash. Smooth out the compound using your putty knife, and then let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried then apply a top coat of acrylic latex paint. This will help protect the putty, and give your sash a modern appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports the windows sashes can become worn out with time and use. This could result in the window or door that is difficult to open or close. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is usually quite simple and inexpensive. If you're having trouble opening the sash, spray some grease into the jamb channel. Then, you can slide the sash out to see if this resolves the problem. If not, the issue is most likely due to the balance of the sash and you'll have to take off the sash to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to open and close with little effort. However, this may be a challenge if the weights have been worn out or the sash-to rail connecting rail isn't covered with. This can be due to many factors that include a lack of maintenance and a mismatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms on windows begin to slide, this can cause the sash drag, and then eventually to hit the frame in the opposite corner (Photo 1). To fix the problem, make sure that the sash is aligned in the frame opening and then remove it. If the sash is secured to the hinge arm, you'll need to loosen the hinge arm and replace it (Photo 2). Install the new sash (Photo 3).

Due to hinges that are sagging, and a general deficiency in energy efficiency, windows that are old, especially those in older homes, can be difficult to open and close. 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 repairs to the sash it is important to have all the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Mark the location of the hinge channel on the frame (Photo 1) using a pencil. This will allow you to get the channel back in position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash and take out all the hardware including the parting beads cords, chains, and cords that hold the sash in place. A hot gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting will soften any hardened putty. Take off the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights are able to be replaced to improve the operation of your window sash and decrease the cost of energy. Sash weights are composed of iron or lead cylinders that are encased in a hidden cavity and are connected via ropes to the moveable window sash. They are counterbalancers that allows the window repair High Wycombe to be opened and closed without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are usually ignored or discarded by homeowners and then turned into scrap when they break; therefore you might need to search for replacements.

A weight from a sash that fell out of the cavity is difficult to recover and you'll need to locate a new one that fits properly. You will also require a new piece string, a length of sashcord and some sashpulleys to tie the new weights to the cord.

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. The wood pegs holding 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, so it is important to remove the small-diameter sides first. Later sashes made use of glue instead of pins. They can be separated by using a knife and mallet.

After the sash is removed, you can remove the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually, this is done through an opening at the bottom of each jamb. The hole is then covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the inner workings.

Once 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 the new. Make sure you weigh the sash before you do this, since the weights that were previously used may be different in size from what is needed. After the new weight is installed, run 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 hanging from the head to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

Most double glazing repair Acton-hung windows of the past have a cord or chain attached to the weights that helps keep the sashes level in the jamb. Over time, these cords could break, making it impossible to raise the window. A new sash cable will give you the ability to raise and lower the sash, and keep it in position 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 will need to be removed or repositioned. You may be able to use a hammer and chisel to remove them but it's best to lay down dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can start working on the sash. Use a flat bar or chisel to pry the small parting beads out of their grooves. It is important to be patient as they're often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash remains in place, pry out the mortise and the tenon joints by using the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs that are on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth freely, though it may require oil if it feels stiff.

Measure the length of sash chain/sash cord required to reach the sash slot at the bottom, and 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 use a hammer, nails or Repair My Windows And Doors screws. However nails are less likely than screws to cause damage.

Unless you've bought an item that replaces the old counterbalance system, it's recommended to keep the original weights for balancing in place. They're not expensive and are easy to install if you purchase them at architectural salvage stores. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights could be needed to keep the sash in an open position.