Window Sash Repairs

Check the windows sashes regularly for damage, mildew, and mold. If you catch these issues early, you can save money on future repairs.

The sash is an interior frame that is able to move vertically up and down in windows that are open. This article will show you how to perform simple sash repairs.

Weather Stripping

Wood window sashes add a classic aesthetic to your home and, when properly maintained, they will last for years. However, they can be damaged or deteriorate in time due to exposure to elements and normal wear and wear and tear. Thankfully, sash repair experts can restore your windows back to their original condition and maintain their appearance for a longer period of time than replacement windows.

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

Then, take the sash from its holder, and place it on flat surfaces to allow you to reach all four sides. If your sash is double glazing near me-hung, you'll have to remove the weights as well as their ropes that should have fallen into the pocket of the jamb liner. Once you've removed the sash using a utility knife, you can use it to cut away the weather stripping that was formerly in place at the corners, then remove it manually or using a putty blade.

After the sash has been cleared it is time to replace the parting stops. These are long pieces that divide the sashes. Pam likes to replace these with standard 1/2-inch-by - 3/4-inch window trim from the lumberyard. However, you can also replace them with scrap wood.

After removing the parting stop and trimming it to length, apply a thin coat of glazing compound to the bottom of the sash. Smooth it out using your putty knife, then let it dry for at least a few days. After it has fully dried and dried, apply a second coat of acrylic latex paint. This will protect the putty and give your sash a fresh appearance.

Sash Hardware

The hardware that supports window sashes is prone to wearing out from the wear and tear of use, and the result can be a window or door that won't open or close easily. The good news is that fixing and replacing this hardware is typically quite simple and inexpensive. If a sash isn't easy to operate you can try spraying some grease into the jamb channel, and then slide it open to see if this resolves the issue. If the issue continues it's likely to be due to the sash's balance. You'll need to remove the window sash to access the hardware.

Sashes for windows should be able to be able to open and close with minimal effort. However, this may be difficult if weights are worn out or the sash-to-rail connecting rail isn't properly glazed. This issue could be caused by many factors such as an absence of maintenance or an unmatched weight rating.

If the hinge arms of a window are beginning to sag, this can cause the sash to slide and eventually land on the frame in the corner that's directly opposite the hinge arm (Photo 1). To correct the issue make sure the sash is aligned in the frame's opening and remove it. If the sash is screwed to the hinge arm, you'll have 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 lack in energy efficiency, older windows especially in older homes, may be difficult to open and close. In many cases it is a matter of making a few minor adjustments that can help these windows function smoothly once more and save homeowners money on energy costs.

It is important to have the tools you require before you begin. Start by marking the location of the hinge channel on the frame with pencil (Photo 1). This will make it easier to place 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 cords or chains that secure it. Heat gun with nozzle shield and a medium setting can soften any putty that has been hardened. Remove the old sash and store it in a bag labeled.

Sash Weights

Sash weights can be changed to improve the performance of your window sash and reduce energy costs. Sash weights are heavy lead or iron cylinders enclosed inside a hidden compartment and attached to the movable the sash with rope. They function as counterbalances, which allows you to open and shut the window without having to use mechanical or electrical devices. The sash weights are often neglected or ignored by homeowners, and are turned into scrap when they fail; therefore you may have to find replacements.

A weight in a sash that has fallen out of the cavity is difficult to recover It is therefore important to find a replacement that fits correctly. You will also need a new piece of string, a length the sash cord, as well as some sash pulleys that will tie the new sash weights the sash cord.

Mortise and Tenon joints are used to join older wood windows. The wood pegs that hold the components together can be removed by a pin punch and hammer. The majority of these pegs are big on one side, but smaller on the other. It is crucial to remove first the smaller diameter sides. Sashes that were made later in the century utilized glue instead of pegs. They can be separated by cutting through the glue line using the help of a knife, and then tapping the mortised part loose with a mallet.

Once the sash has been released, you can remove sash stops and gain access to the weight pockets. This is usually done via an opening at the bottom of every jamb. This hole is covered with the wooden panel which can be removed to reveal the interior workings.

After the sash has been stopped and the access panel is removed, you can take off the weight you used and replace it. Be sure to weigh the sash before you begin, as the old weights may be a different size than the one you need. After the new weight has been installed, thread an appropriate length of string through the pulling mechanism. Then attach the string to the boxed frame, but leave a few inches of string sticking out from the head for future adjustment.

Sash Cords

Most old double-hung windows have a cord or chain attached to the weights that keeps the sashes in balance within the jamb. As time passes, these cords may become damaged and render it impossible to raise windows. A new sash cord will restore the ability to move the sash upwards and downwards and hold 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 typically installed by screws or nails and must be removed or moved. It is possible to remove them using an axe or hammer, but it is always better to lay out dust sheets before beginning any work.

After removing the access panel, you can begin working on the sash. Take the narrow beads (also known as "tie rails") out of their grooves using a chisel or flat bar. It is essential to take your time, as these are often placed in a wedge or nail. If the sash is still in place, pry out the mortise and tenon joints with pin punch and hammer or screwdriver, then unhook the wood pegs on each component. It should now be possible to move the sash back and forth without difficulty, though it will probably need some oil if it feels stiff.

With the sash in an open position Take a measurement of the sash chain to reach from the pulley at the top of the jamb to the sash slot at the bottom. Cut the cord/chain and then fix it using Step 6 above. You can do this with a hammer, nails, or screws. However nails are less likely to cause damage.

It is best to keep the weights that came with the original counterbalance unless you've purchased a kit that will replace the counterbalance that was previously installed. They're not expensive and easy to install if you buy them from salvage shops for architectural use. Depending on the size of your window, one or two sashweights might be required to keep it in an open position.