Window Sash Repairs

Regularly inspect the window sashes for damage, mildew, and mold. You can save future repair costs by catching problems in the early stages, repairmywindowsanddoors before they become too much.

The sash is an interior framing that can be moved vertically either up or down in windows that open. This article will teach you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add an elegant look to your home. When properly maintained, they will last for a long time. They may, however, become damaged or degraded with time due to exposure and repairmywindowsanddoors normal wear and tear. Sash repair experts can restore windows back to their original condition and keep them looking great much longer than replacement windows.

Weather stripping is the primary thing to address when repairing windows that have sash. It's on both the frame and the sash. If it's loose or worn out, it can cause drafts and other issues. Begin by identifying the window brand and the date of manufacture for the glass (etched on the corner of the glass, or the aluminum spacers between panes). Then, remove the sash and mark its height and width, so you can find new weather stripping that matches.

Then, remove the sash and place it on a table so you can access all four sides. If your sash is double-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as the ropes that go with them, which should have fallen into the intended pocket in the jamb liner. After you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut off the old weather stripping at the corners, and then remove it manually or with a putty knife.

Once the sash is clear it is time to replace the parting stops. They are long pieces of wood that are used to separate the two sashes. Pam prefers to use the standard 1/2-inch by 3/4-inch window trimmings from the lumberyard. However, you can also substitute for a scrap piece of lumber.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound on the bottom of the sash. Smooth the compound using a putty knife, and let it dry at least a day. Once the putty has fully cured and dried, you can apply a topcoat of acrylic. This will help protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports windows sashes can become worn out over time and with use. This could lead to a door 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 straightforward and cost-effective. If a sash is difficult to operate, try spraying some lubrication into the jamb channel then open it to see if it solves the issue. If the problem persists it's most likely the sash balance. You will need to take off the window sash in order to get access to this part of the hardware.

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

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 that's opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To resolve this problem, first ensure that the sash is firmly seated in the opening of the frame and then remove it from the window. If the sash has been screwed onto the hinge arm, unbolt the hinge and replace it. (Photo 2). Then, put in the new sash (Photo 3).

Old windows, particularly those in older homes, may be difficult to close and open due to hinges that are sagging and an overall lack of energy efficiency. Sometimes just a few easy fixes can allow these windows to operate smoothly and help homeowners save money on their energy bills.

In order to make these sash repairs, it's important to have all of the necessary tools lined up before you begin. Begin by marking the position of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will assist you in getting the channel back into position correctly after you've completed. Remove the sash, and remove all the hardware, including the parting beads, cords, and chains that keep the sash in place. Soften any hardened putty with an electric heat gun set to medium and equipped with an shield for the nozzle. Remove the old sash, and put it in a bag with a label.

Sash Weights

Whether your window sash repairs are to replace a damaged cord or just to keep the windows functional by replacing worn out weights on sash can improve sash operation and help reduce energy consumption. Sash weights are made of heavy iron or lead cylinders that are enclosed in a concealed cavity and attached by ropes to the moveable window sash. These weights function as counterbalances and allow you to open and close the window without the need for mechanical or electrical devices. When they fail, sashweights are usually ignored or disabled by homeowners.

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

Older windows made of wood are joined by mortise and tenon joints. Pin punch and hammer can be used to cut off the wood pegs holding the parts together. The majority of these pegs have an enormous diameter on one side and a smaller size on the other, so it is important to remove the smaller-diameter ones first. Sashes made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs and can be separated by cutting through the glue line with an instrument, and then tapping the mortised section loose with mallets.

After the sash is removed then you can take out the sash stop and access the weight pocket. Usually it is done by drilling a hole near the bottom of each jamb. This hole is covered with a wooden panel that can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After 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 first to ensure that the weights you have might not be the correct size. After the new weight has been 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 top of the string to allow for future adjustments.

Sash Cords

In most old double glazing Horley-hung window, a cord or chain is attached to the weights. This helps keep the sashes in the jamb balanced. 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 place when opened.

To replace sash cords the first step is to remove the access panels from the jambs. They are usually installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them with the hammer or chisel but it is always best to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

Once the access panel is removed, you can begin working on the sash. Prise the narrow parting beads (also called "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. They are typically wedged into or nailed, but they can be removed, so it's worth taking your time here. If the sash is in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with the help of a hammer and pin or screwdriver, then remove the wood pegs attached to each piece. The sash should be able to move freely, however it may require some lubrication in order to feel less stiff.

With the sash open, measure enough sash cord/chain to extend from the pulley in the top of the jamb to the sash slot in the bottom. Cut the cord or chain, and then attach it as described in Step 6 above. You can either employ a hammer, screws or nails, however nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is recommended to keep the original weights in place unless you have purchased a kit to replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. It's not too expensive to purchase them from architectural salvage stores and they'll be simple to install once you've got the sash unlocked. Based on the size of your window, one or repairmywindowsanddoors two sash weights might be required to keep the sash in an open position.